1. The Power Politics of House Medici
Coat of Arms of House Medici
The Power Politics of House Medici
Matthew Lang
Dr. Michael Levin, Professor
The Italian Renaissance
House Medici as you know, was a powerful family whose influence spanned from the mid 14th century to the mid 18th century. We shall examine the power politics of this family and the remarkable influence it exercised over Florence, Italy, and to some extent Europe as a whole.

2. Political Extent con’t Cosimo de’ Medici Lorenzo de’ Medici
Early Modern Timeline
As it applies to House Medici
Wealth and Influence
Political Extent
Political Extent con’t
Cosimo de’ Medici
Lorenzo de’ Medici
Interregnum or Interregna
Lorenzo II de’ Medici
Michelangelo
Medici Patronage
Leo X
Clement VII
Pius IV & Leo XI
Catherine de’ Medici
Marie de’ Medici
Works Cited

3. 1300 1750 Election of Pius IV: 1559 2nd Interregnum: 1494-1512
Founding of Medici Bank & Ciompi Revolt: 1378
Duchy of Florence & Publication of The Prince: 1532
Grand Duchy of Tuscany (Cosimo I de’ Medici):
1569
Cosimo
de’ Medici:
Lorenzo
de’ Medici:
Election of Leo X: 1513
Election of Clement VII: 1523
Sack of Rome: 1527
Pazzi Conspiracy: 1478
Catherine
Marie
95 Theses: 1517
Michelangelo Buonarroti:
Election & Death of Leo XI: 1605
Gian Gastone
de' Medici
(The Last Medici):
Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici:
Cosimo I
Alessandro de’ Medici (1st Duke of Florence):
Platonic Academy:
1462
Lorenzo II de’ Medici:
Exsurge Domine: 1520
Black Plague: 1348
Here you see an illustration of the events that took place within the 450 year span during which House Medici was influential. You can see the beginnings of House Medici with Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici, the height of their power under Cosimo I de’ Medici, the first Grand Duke of Tuscany, and the endings of the dynasty with the last Medici, Gian Gastone.

4. Wealth and Influence Banking Textile Economy
Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici
Founder of Medici Bank
Florin
Standard unit of currency
Innovative accounting methodology
Results in huge
sums of Medici
wealth
Textile Economy
Florentine business
Facilitation into European market
Utilization of the River Arno for dying purposes
Ciompi Revolt (1378)
Ultimately unsuccessful
Theoretically in response to Black Plague and working conditions of Florence
1500-Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici
The influence that House Medici wielded was incredible during the time period that we are discussing. House Medici rose to power in Florence in the late 14th early 15th century. Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici, as pictured here, founded the Medici bank in Florence in Through the use of innovative techniques and methodology, learned in Rome, Giovanni led the Medici bank to become one of the most powerful in Europe. The Medici bank also served as a source of great wealth for House Medici. Florence was also renowned for its thriving textile economy. The textile business of Florence was known all over Europe as one of the best, importing raw materials from all over Europe and exporting the finished product. There are some scholars that would claim that Florence is one of the first capitalist systems of Europe.

5. Extent of Political Influence
De facto citizen leaders and patrons of the arts
Members of the Priori (Ruling body)
Signori of Florentine Republic
Control through—
Banking
Economics
Education
Florentine Humanism
Platonic Academy (1462)
Nepotism
Governmental domination
“Investment”
Marriage and Religion
Alessandro de’ Medici: First Duke of Florence
between 1511 & 1537
House Medici ruled Florence through political as well as economic engagement. House Medici, essentially the ruling family of Florence, were the de facto citizen leaders. As signori members of the Priori, or ruling council, members of House Medici became prominent politicians. As previously discussed, House Medici exercised control through economics and politics, but this family also became powerful through their patronage of the arts, education, and by employing their own brand of “investment” which will be discussed later.

6. Political Influence con’t
Use of power to beautify Florence and created the modern image of a center of the Renaissance
Culminating in creation of Duchy of Florence(Alessandro
de’ Medici in 1532) and Grand Duchy of Tuscany (Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1569)
Among other titles (i.e. Duchy of Urbino, Penne, Nemours, Sieva, Rover)
Cosimo I de’ Medici circa 1538
House Medici is also famous for their continuing elevation. Such elevation was made possible because of their patronage and creation of Florence as a center for the arts and learning, which is still recognized today through the beautification and extensive records of Florence. House Medici, like others, was also known for their nepotistic behavior. Through the graces of powerful friends and family, House Medici rose to power as Dukes of Florence and Grand Dukes of Tuscany.

7. Cosimo de’ Medici (1389-1464) “il Vecchio” Father of House Medici
Cosimo de’ Medici by Bronizno
“il Vecchio”
the Elder (not to be confused with Cosimo I de’ Medici)
Father of House Medici
Prominent banker and “night time” political activist
Expansion of Medici bank into European market
Began framework to install Medici dominance (oligarchy) in Florentine Republic
Cosimo de’ Medici, called “il Vechio” or the elder. Was the father of House Medici as it is studied today. Cosimo carried on his father’s banking system and began the process by which House Medici came to rule Florence. I can best characterize Cosimo by naming him the “night time” politician, for Cosimo was not actively involved in politics as Florence was at the time more than just a nominal republic ruled by the Priori collectively. Cosimo’s legacy sets the framework for the Medici oligarchy in Florence.

8. "Lorenzo the Magnificent“ by Agnolo Bronzino
Lorenzo de’ Medici ( )
"Lorenzo the Magnificent“ by Agnolo Bronzino
“il Magnifico”
-the Magnificent
Pazzi Conspiracy (1478)
Attempt to assassinate Lorenzo and his brother (Giuliano de’ Medici)
Failed attempt on Lorenzo, successful on Giuliano
Modern understanding of vendettas
Capable politician and patron of the arts
(ex. Michelangelo, Raphael, da Vinci)
Somewhat unsuccessful in banking (i.e. the beginnings of the decline of the Medici monopoly on banking)
Often compared to weak son (i.e. Piero II de’ Medici)
Lorenzo de’ Medici, called “il Magnifico” is perhaps one of the most studied members of House Medici. Lorenzo was known for his shrewd political strategies and charitable behavior. However, it would seem that Lorenzo did not possess the aptitude for banking that his father and grandfather had for the Medici bank began to fall from grace under the command of Lorenzo. The Pazzi conspiracy of 1478 was an attempt to assassinate Lorenzo and his brother Giuliano whilst attending mass by the Pazzi family of Florence in conjunction with the reigning Pope Sixtus IV. Though fatally wounded, Lorenzo did not die; his brother Giuliano however was not so fortunate. From this attempt on his life, we can see from a modern perspective the Italian vendetta as Lorenzo was less than kind to the conspirators. You can also see from the readings, that House Medici was much loved by the people of Florence. It is no mystery as to why the Medici family was loved under Lorenzo. From Lorenzo’s quote on p. 174, it is clear that House Medici was hugely philanthropic. And from Lorenzo’s strategies in facing excommunication and Florentine occupation under the papacy and its allies, we can see that he was anything but lacking in cunning and intelligence.

9. Interregnum OR Interregna
Piero II de’ Medici
Expulsion of House Medici from Florence from
A LOOK AHEAD: Medici return in 1512 as a precursor to The Prince (Niccolo Machiavelli)
Dedication to
Lorenzo II de’
Medici, Duke of
Urbino
Two others
Affected Cosimo (the Elder) de’ Medici during his ascension
Florence becomes a Republic free of House Medici subsequent to the Sack of Rome
Affected Alessandro de’ Medici, first hereditary Duke of Florence
Subsequent to the rule of Lorenzo de’ Medici, Piero II de’ Medici came to power and soon enough his weak willed policies saw House Medici banished from Florence for the second time. This interregnum lasted form This, however, was not the first time that House Medici had faced banishment. From House Medici was absent from Florence. This banishment affected the ascension of the prominent banker and “night time” politician, Cosimo de’ Medici. House Medici was banished once again in 1527 following the Sack of Rome. Florence expelled the Medici family and established a free Republic that would last only 3 years. As a side note, The Prince by Machiavelli, was written subsequent to the return of House Medici to Florence in 1512.
Niccolo Machiavelli second half of 16th c.

10. Lorenzo II de’ Medici (1492-1519)
Family nepotism
Created Duke of Urbino by Pope Leo X (1516)
Signori of Florence
Return of the Medici to Florence after Interregnum
Famously tortured Niccolo Machiavelli
Dedication of The Prince
Lorenzo II de’ Medici was the Signori of Florence for 5 years following the second interregnum and banishment of his house from Florence. Created the Duke of Urbino in 1516 by his fellow Medici relative, the reigning Pope Leo X, Lorenzo II is a perfect example of the nepotism that ran rampant in the political sphere of the Renaissance. Lorenzo is also known for his harsh treatment of those that had banished his family in 1494, including prominent figure Niccolo Machiavelli, from whom he received the dedication of The Prince.

11. Michelangelo (1475-1564) Under Medici graces as a child
Michelangelo Buonarroti
Under Medici graces as a child
Given best humanist education by Lorenzo de’ Medici
Pre-eminent artistry-
Designed Medici Chapel/Tombs
Various other projects for Florence
Sistine Chapel, Statue of David
Beautification of Florence
Michelangelo was one of the pre-eminent artists of his day. The skills of Michelangelo were cultivated by the patronage of House Medici. In fact, Michelangelo was given the best humanist education by Lorenzo the magnificent. This patronage would continue for Michelangelo whom through Medici graces would beautify Florence and much of Italy.

12. Medici Chapel, New Sacristy,
Florence Italy-Michelangelo
Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore-Florentine Duomo
Arnolfo di Cambio and Filippo Brunelleschi
Here are some of the works that were under the patronage of House Medici. Michelangelo, while known for his work in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel also designed the Medici Chapel in the Florentine Basilica de San Lorenzo. Below the photo of the Medici Chapel, is the painting of Capella dei Magi by Benozzo Gozzoli that graces the Medici palace in Florence. The faces of Piero de’ Medici and Cosimo de’ Medici are depicted in this painting forming a clear understanding of the power wielded by House Medici. The Florentine cathedral Santa Maria della Fiore or Duomo as it is commonly called, on the right side, also reached its final completion, i.e. the construction of the dome by Filippo Brunelleschi under the auspices of House Medici. All of these beautiful works of art are clear symbols of Medici power.
Cappella dei Magi-
Benozzo Gozoli

13. Leo X (r. 1513-1521) Giovanni di Lorenzo de’ Medici First Medici pope
Portrait of Pope Leo X and his cousins, cardinals Giulio de’ Medici and Luigi de Rossi
Giovanni di Lorenzo de’ Medici
First Medici pope
“…let us enjoy it…”
Use of indulgences for construction of St. Peter’s Basilica
Reigned concurrent with the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation (i.e. 1517: Martin Luther’s95 Theses)
Exsurge Domine (1520)
Famous for nepotistic behavior
Ex. Lorenzo II de’ Medici, Duke of Urbino/Giulio di Giuliano de’ Medici, Pope Clement VII
Pope Leo X was the first of four popes from House Medici. Leo X is famous for his nepotistic behavior, including the creation of his nephew as the Duke of Urbino and his cousin Giulio di giuliano de’ Medici as the next Medici pope, Clement VII. Leo X is also known for his 1520 issuance of Exsurge Domine, the papal bull in response to the posting of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses. Arguably the use of indulgences to build St. Peter’s Basilica under Leo X was the breaking point for the insurgency that is today called the Protestant Reformation. The remaining four years of his reign would be consumed by this movement.

14. Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici, Pope Clement VII (1523-34)
Clement VII (r )
Giulio di Giuliano de’ Medici
Sack of Rome (1527)
Hostage of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor/King of Spain
Political pope—
Creation of Duchy of Florence in favor of House Medici (i.e. Alessandro de’ Medici)
Strategic alliance making
i.e. Catherine de’ Medici to Henry II
Political game between graces of Holy Roman Emperor/King of Spain (Charles V) and French King (Francis I & League of Cognac)
Patronized Raphael and Michelangelo
Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici, Pope Clement VII ( )
Clement VII rose to power under the graces of his cousin, the previous Pope Leo X. Clement VII is perhaps best known for his reign being concurrent with the 1527 Sack of Rome by the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V. Clement VII was most always flirting with disaster because of his political strategies. He is well known for playing a political game of sorts between the favor of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain and Francis I, King of France. Clement VII, a true member of House Medici did not forget his origins as he created the Duchy of Florence in favor of his relative Alessandro de’ Medici with the allowance of the Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. Clement VII was also a major patron of the arts. Another notable point is the English crisis over which Clement VII presided. This was the divorce case of Henry VIII and Katherine of Aragon, whom was the aunt of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. This fact in conjunction with the war of the league of Cognac is considered one of the points of contention that led to the Sack of Rome.

15. Giovanni Angelo Medici (1499-1565) Painting by Bartolomeo Passarotti
Pius IV (r ) & Leo XI (r. 1605)
Giovanni Angelo Medici ( ) Painting by Bartolomeo Passarotti
Pope Leo XI
Pius IV, pictured to the left, was born Giovanni Angelo de’ Medici and was the third Medici pope. He is best known for his leadership over the Council of Trent and as a champion of the Catholic Counter Reformation.
Leo XI pictured to the right was born Alessandro Ottaviano de’ Medici. His reign extended less than 1 month and consequently his reign is not terribly important in Medici history.

16. Catherine de’ Medici (1519-1589)
Catherine de' Medici wears the black cap and veil of widow, after 1559
Daughter of Lorenzo II de’ Medici, Duke of Urbino
Consort Queen of France (Henry II)
Regent Queen of France (sporadic: Francis II & Charles IX)
St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre (1572)
French Religious Wars
French crown passes from House Valois to House Bourbon after her male children die
Example of Medici “investment”
Married to French king in power play by Pope Clement VII
Catherine de’ Medici was the consort queen on Henry II, King of France and regent queen for two of her children. Catherine is directly responsible for the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, which was an attack and massacre of the Huguenot protestants of Paris an all things considered failed attempt which was aimed at Henry of Navarre. The French Religious Wars also begin whilst France was under the quasi leadership of Catherine de’ Medici. Because of the instability and uncertainty in France, House Valois fell from power and Henry IV of House Bourbon, whom was targeted in the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, rose to rule France.

17. Marie de’ Medici ( )
Maria de' Medici as a young girl
Daughter of Francesco I de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany
Consort Queen of France (Henry IV)
Regent Queen of France (Louis XIII)
Political ambitions
In competition with Secretary of State: Cardinal-Duke Richelieu
Example of Medici “investment”
Marie de’ Medici is the second consort and regent queen of France. Marie de’ Medici is well known for her political ambitions during her son, Louis XIII’s reign. She was a steadfast opponent of her son’s minister Cardinal-Duke Richelieu. Both Catherine and Marie de’ Medici are an example of House Medici’s brand of investment for personal gain.

18. Works Cited/Q & A
Gage, John. Life in Italy at the Time of the Medici. London: Batsford, 1968.
Goldthwaite, A. Richard. The Medici Bank and the World of Florentine Capitalism. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987; Past & Present Society
Hibbert, Christopher. The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall. New York: Morrow Quill Paperbacks, 1980.
Jurdjevic, Mark. Civic Humanism and the Rise of the Medici. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1999; Renaissance Quarterly, Renaissance Society of America vol
Luchinat, Cristina, Suzanne Butters, Claudio Pizzorusso, Anna Testaverde, Marco Chiarini, Janet Cox-Rearick, Alan Darr, Larry Feinberg, Annamaria Giusti, Richard Goldthwaite, Lucia Meoni, and Kirsten Piacenti. The Medici, Michelangelo, & the Art of Late Renaissance Florence. New Haven: Yale University Press in Association with the Detroit Institute of Arts, 2002.
Martines, Lauro. April Blood: Florence and the Plot Against the Medici. Oxford University Press, 2003.
Strathern, Paul. The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance. London: Jonathan Cape,
House Medici, one of the most powerful and influential families of Italy during the Renaissance were shrewd politicians and great patrons of the arts and sciences. Florence, arguably, also reached the height of its power under Cosimo I de’ Medici, the first Grand Duke of Tuscany. Under the graces of House Medici there were great strides made in science, i.e. Cosimo I de’ Medici’s patronage of Galileo Galilei, the beautification of Florence under Michelangelo and other reputed artists came to the forefront of focus, and finally, Florence became a great Renaissance center and is recognized today as a pre-eminent figure of the time period.