The Medici and the arts

As a family of bankers, the Medici family helped establish a currency system that could be used to buy art and products from Italy and around the world. • The biggest accomplishments of the Medici were in the sponsorship of art and architecture, mainly early and High Renaissance art and architecture. The Medici were responsible for the majority of Florentine art during their reign. Their money was significant because during this period, artists generally only made their works when they received commissions in advance. Giovanni di Medici, the first patron of the arts in the family, aided Masaccio and commissioned Brunelleschi for the reconstruction of the Basilica of San Lorenzo, Florence in 1419. Cosimo the Elders notable artistic associates were - Donatello and Fra Angelico. The most significant addition to the list over the years was Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564), who produced work for a number of Medici, beginning with Lorenzo the Magnificent, who was said to be extremely fond of the young Michelangelo, inviting him to study the family collection of antique sculpture. Lorenzo also served as patron to Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) for seven years. Indeed, Lorenzo was an artist in his own right, and author of poetry and song8 his support of the arts and letters is seen as a high point in Medici patronage.

In addition to commissions for art and architecture, the Medici were prolific collectors and today their acquisitions form the core of the Uffizi museum in Florence. In architecture, the Medici are responsible for some notable features of Florence; including the Uffizi Gallery, the Boboli Gardens, the Belvedere, the Medici Chapel and the Palazzo Medici.

Although none of the Medici themselves were scientists, the family is well known to have been the patrons of the famous Galileo Galilei, who tutored multiple generations of Medici children, and was an important figurehead for his patron’s quest for power. Galileo’s patronage was eventually abandoned by Ferdinando II, when the Inquisition accused Galileo of heresy.

Giovanni di Bicci de’Medici – Beginnings of Medici Power  Giovanni di Bicci de’Medici  – First of the famous ruling Medici’s and considered founder of Medici family fortune Giovanni is considered to be the first prominent patron of the arts Giovanni was a leader not concerned with politics, but rather the family fortune and the arts Giovanni died in 1429 and his son Cosimo became head of the Medici family

Rise of Cosimo de ’Medici • Became head of powerful family bank, and amassed a fortune  because he became banker to the pope, and his bank also spread to all the important financial markets throughout Europe. • Cosimo was very interested in a rebirth of classical ideas and even went so far as to recreate Plato’s ancient academy in Carregi. • Cosimo was also a very religious man and much of his patronage of the arts was rooted in his religious fervor. • Cosimo spent a considerable portion of his wealth on the arts  – Amassed the largest library in Europe  – Supported artists such as Ghiberti, Brunelleschi, Donatello, and Alberti • Florence became cultural center of Europe

Artists Commissioned by Cosimo His Battle of San Romano was painted on three panels now located in three different art museums, the National Gallery, Uffizi, and Louvre. The Battle of San Romano was painted on three panels now located in three different art museums, the National Gallery, Uffizi, and Louvre.

Santa Maria Novella, Leon Baptista Alberti

Lorenzo de’ Medici • Grandson of Cosimo • Lorenzo, know also as Lorenzo the Magnificent, was is said to be the most brilliant of the Medici • Lorenzo was also respected as a very talented Latin poet, and like his family members was very interested in texts of antiquity • Lorenzo is considered to be the greatest patron of the arts  – Commissioned such artists and musicians as Michelangelo, Botticelli and Verrocchio  – Reasons for this patronage included genuine interest, continuing family tradition, and political motives  – Lorenzo even discovered the talented Michelangelo when the artist was only 12 years old

Tomb of Giuliano de’ Medici

Donatello’s “David”

Botticelli’s Birth of Venus