Vincenzo Consani, Funerary monument of Emilio De Fabris

This monument consists of the portrait bust of Emilio De Fabris (Florence, 27 October 1807 – 28 June 1883), carved by Vincenzo Consani, placed within a clypeus; below is the panel with epitaph, written by Mauro Ricci. The tribute is inspired by the 15th-century funerary monuments arranged on the walls of the first arch of the nave. The monument to De Fabris, the architect responsible for the design and construction of the new Cathedral facade, was especially conceived to conclude the series of monuments of the great master builders of the Opera, also celebrating the cultural primacy of the Florentine genius. The monument was inaugurated in 1887, when the façade was almost completed. Significantly, De Fabris was buried near his master work, just a few metres from the architectural facade.

The portrait bust, frontal and hieratic, placed on a foliate shelf, is inspired by that of Antonio Squarcialupi, which was moved to its present position to give place to this one. The portrait shows aspects of a fresh new naturalism: in clothes of the time, with a slightly wrinkled jacket and shirt, the effigy of De Fabris is similar to life (as seen from photographs and portrait paintings), with a round face, broad forehead and large moustaches, all according to the fashion of the time.