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For more on the Ca’ d’Zan, home of John and Mable Ringling, see this post, which includes photos of the ground floor. For the last two weeks we’ve seen the bedrooms on the second floor. This week’s post (the final in the series) includes the third floor and the Belvedere.

Third floor

Now we’re overlooking the great hall from the third floor.

The third floor is mostly given over to a large, informal room for relaxing and playing games – an upscale family room. There are a few lovely pieces of furniture, such as this inlaid bench …

But the fantastic feature that most family rooms don’t have is a ceiling that’s hand-painted with scenes from a Venetian Carnevale. I’m sorry I didn’t slow down and take better photos of the ceiling: the curve and the low lighting make taking good photos difficult.

The highlight of the ceiling is a portrait of John and Mable Ringling in Carnevale costumes, with all their pets.

Near the entrance, the artist has included a charming self-portrait.

Belvedere

Remember the tower that tops the Ca’ d’Zan? We’re about to climb those curving stairs.

Looking west toward Sarasota Bay. One of the many remarkable things about the Ca’ d’Zan is the way it’s maintained. In Florida, plants and mold grow fast, and pretty much everywhere. Even on the outside, the Ringling mansion looks pristine, which must take a lot of people a lot of time.

Looking down at the roof of the great hall.

And that’s it for the Ca’ d’Zan!

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• If you like this sort of whirlwind tour of museums, hit the Museums tag to see more posts like this one.
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