Godfathers of the Renaissance The Medici Godfathers of the Renaissance

Medici History Medici family can be traced back to the 12th century. They were part of the patrician class - the highest class of society in the Italian city-states during the Rennaissance. Acquired great wealth through banking and commerce. Famous patrons of the arts. Patron - a person who financially supports scholars or artists.

Medici Crest The Red Balls… A number of red balls on a gold shield. Explanation - could be “dents” in armour, coins..etc Palle Palle Palle In times of danger, Medician supporters Rallied with these cries. A reference to the balls on their crest.

Cosimo De Medici During his rule Florence became the cultural center of Europe and the cradle of the new Humanism.

Lorenzo de Medici Known as Il Magnifico “The magnificent” The city surpassed the cultural achievements of the earlier period. High point of Florantine Renaissance. Many famous artists came to light during this time

The Adoration of the Magi by Sandro Botecelli The Adoration of the Magi by Sandro Botecelli. Comissioned by the Medici He painted the Medici right into the work and also included his own portrait.

Giuliano de Medici The “beautiful” Medici.. Killed by the Pazzi conspirators on Easter Sunday, (April 26th 1478) during High Mass in the Duomo.

The Conspiracy The Pazzi family were Tuscan nobles & bankers in Florence Caught up in a conspiracy to replace the Medici as de facto rulers of Tuscany They were not the instigators. The Salviati, (Papal Bankers in Florence) were at the heart of conspiracy. Pope Sixtus was an enemy of the Medici and had replaced them as the papal bankers, giving the Pazzi family the job. The Pazzi family had bankrolled his purchase of land - even though they had promised the Medici they would not aid the Pope. Pope was involved in the conspiracy.

The Murder in the Duomo Lorenzo was injured. Giuliano stabbed 19 times. Conspirators wanted to kill both brothers. Lorenzo escaped. He was so angered by his brother’s death. His revenge was swift and brutal.

The Outcome The Coup d’ete failed Overthrow of existing authority in one stroke. Enraged Florentines seized and killed the conspirators. Sandro Bottecelli was commissioned to paint a mural of the hangings of the Pazzi Conspirators.

Lorenzo’s Revenge The Murderers were hung in public in the Plazza. Sketch by Leonardo da Vinci - Commissioned by Lorenzo The hanging of one of the Pazzi Conspirators. A tan colored small cap, A doublet of black serge, A black jerkin lined, A blue coat lined, with fur…

The Coin Lorenzo had this coin made in his brother’s honor. The flip side read “in mourning”

Lorenzo January 1 1449 April 9 1492 During his later years Florence came under the spell of Savonarola. Rumors that Savonarola damned him on his death bed. - these are refuted by some scholars. He and his brother are buried in a chapel designed by Michelangelo - called the Church of San Lorenzo

Savonarola Attacked the luxuries and secular art in Florence. Believed that people were sinners. The Bonfires of the vanities - in which famous artwork, make up, constumes, jewelry, books all burned. Convinces many famous artists to join his cause (Michelangelo, Bottecelli…

Piero de Medici His first son - and political heir. Called Piero the unfortunate - drowned in 1503 Squandered his father’s patrimony and brought down his father’s dynasty in Florence.

Giovanni de Medici Lorenzo’s second son. Was a pope (Leo X) a title purchased by his father He restored Florence for a time eventually a more distant Medici relative was able to have the same stronghold as Lorenzo and Cosimo Cosimo I de Medici.

Lorenzo’s Sons Lorenzo had a third son (Giuliano) named after his brother. (he was his favorite rumor has it) He also adopted his brother’s illegitimate son Giulio - who became Pope Clement VII