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Humble BeginningsHumble Beginnings The Medici family were a merchant banking
family from the back streets of Florence, Italy.
They would rise from very humble beginnings to become one of the most famous families in Western history as they shaped the economics, politics and art of the Renaissance
The TimesThe Times As we have discussed the Church was the
identity of the community in Renaissance Europe
They held almost total control of all aspects of social and political ideals of society
But even the Church needed bankers and this is where the Medici would come into play
Cosimo MediciCosimo Medici June 15, 1519 - April 21,
1574
Searched for answers among the artifacts in the church catacombs
He would find many secrets from the Ancient world that had been kept hidden by the Catholic Church
Cosimo continued…Cosimo continued… Among the ancient
artifacts were: writings by Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, written histories from Rome and even the recipes for building materials such as concrete
Cosimo would use these findings to build his wealth and ultimate influence that would last for the remainder of the Renaissance and ensure his family’s fortunes for years to come
Filippo BrunelleschiFilippo Brunelleschi One of his first major
endeavors was to finish the building of the church in Florence, which had sat dormant for years
To do so he would hire a madman to help him through
This madman was Filippo Brunelleschi
He would spark an architectural revolution across Europe
The completion of Il Duomo represents the greatest architectural feat in the Western world
It was estimated to weigh 37,000 tons and was comprised of 4 million bricks
Rival FamiliesRival Families Political power and influence in Florence was
in the hands of a few families that vide for control of the city
The Albizi Family rivaled that of Medici and hatched a plot to rid themselves of their enemies
Cosimo was accused of heresy and the Medici were banished from Florence
Economics
The Medici BankThe Medici Bank Power was restored by Cosimo in Florence
Expands the Medici Bank internationally
Collects from every parish in Europe
Becomes the most powerful business in Europe
The ArtsThe Arts Cosimo was also very
interested in the arts
Patronage
Donotello’s “David” becomes very controversial
Homosexual overtones
14,000 people are prosecuted in Florence in 1434 for sodomy and homosexual activities
Patra PatriaePatra Patriae When Cosimo dies in 1464 he is given the
name Patra Patriae by the people of Florence
Father of the Fatherland
Cosimo’s two sons Lorenzo and Juliano would be heir to the Medici fortunes
Two Houses UniteTwo Houses Unite Lorenzo marries in 1469 to a
noble daughter of Roman aristocracy and military might
This now solidifies the bloodline of the Medici family and their influence now extends along the Italian peninsula
Lorenzo would rule Florence almost like a mini-dictatorship
It was government by personal loyalty
The Pazzi Coup (April 26th, 1478)
The Art of the The Art of the RenaissanceRenaissance
Flourishes under Lorenzo
Botticelli: the most radical of Renaissance artists. La Primavera
Da Vinci
Michelangelo
Lorenzo the Magnificent, spends money virtuously through patronage
Establishes first art school in 1488
Michelangelo Michelangelo Buonarroti Buonarroti
Michelangelo is 13 when he first meets Lorenzo
He is brought into their home and raised like one of the his own sons
Joins the art school and becomes one of the greats
A tireless workaholic, that never slept
Creates David, a centre piece for Florence
Has a falling out with the Medici and moves to Rome where he is commissioned to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
This is considered by most to be the greatest work of art during the Renaissance
SavanarolaSavanarola A monk turned fiery preacher
believes Lorenzo was leading Florence on a path towards destruction
Florence splits into two distinct groups intellectual/secular group and the more traditional religious groups
Savanarola’s word spreads and his congregation grows in popularity
What begins is a fundamental regime created to re-establish the Kingdom of God on Earth
Lorenzo dies in 1492 and Savanarola eventually takes power after the Medici are exiled in 1494
The Bonfire of the The Bonfire of the VanitiesVanities
The Bonfire of the Vanities
People encouraged to burn all items that are associated with sin
Including pagan books, sculptures, cosmetics, fine clothing, works of art and even trade
His reign in Florence only lasts a few years due to the economic decline
Heretic!!!Heretic!!! Savanarola is eventually
executed in May of 1498 for heresy
He was actually executed on the very spot where he conducted the Bonfire of the Vanities a year earlier
He was burned at the stake but not before spending days on the rack
The Medici PopesThe Medici Popes The Medici would eventually return to
Florence after years of exile by raising a papal army and taking the city by force
Giovanni de Medici, (the second son of Lorenzo) would eventually become Pope Leo X
His cousin, would later succeed him as Pope Clement VII (1523–34).
He is known primarily for the sale of indulgences to reconstruct St. Peter's Basilica and his challenging of Martin Luther's 95 Theses.
The Medici family would continue to have influence if not rule over Florence until the 18th century when the line eventually bred itself out with the lack of a male heir.
LegacyLegacy 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 and the greatest artists of the Renaissance worked under their commissions including Donatello, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Leonardo da Vinci, and later Rafael