[Lunette of the Tribuna di Galileo showing an experiment made by the Accademia del Cimento (Text by Vincenzo Antinori from Guida per la Tribuna di Galileo, Florence, 1843)].

"One of the sessions of that illustrious assembly, specifically, the one in which the Academicians decided to test whether the cold of the ice is reflected by mirrors as heat is reflected by burning embers and light. And this experiment was chosen as one of the most important and fruitful, and the one that best lent itself to the painter's art. On the table lies a convex mirror, in whose focus is placed one of the Academy's most finely graduated thermometers; aligned with the mirror and thermometer, but at some distance, is the block of ice resting on a tripod. Around the table stand the most industrious Academicians—Borelli, Viviani, Redi; the first covers the mirror, to determine its effect on the thermometer; the second announces the result of the experiment to the others; the third, and youngest, points out how quickly the alcohol rises in the thermometer. In front of the table is seated Grand Duke Ferdinand II, sponsor and patron of experimental studies, who frequently attended the Academy's meetings; the Academy was assembled and presided by his brother, Prince Leopold, depicted as the standing figure facing the Grand Duke and thoroughly absorbed by the experiment; the figure is near the bench, on which the Secretary, Magalotti, is leaning as he observes the outcome of the experiment to record it. The other Academicians are distributed around the table in various groups and attitudes. On one wall can be seen the bust of Galileo, signifying that these worthies are working under the auspices of that great Mind, and consistently with his spirit. The experiment shown here is one of the most important concerning the radiating caloric."