As a poet and a patron of poets, he stimulated the revival and splendor of Italian literature. He made Rome a cultural centre and a political power, but he depleted the papal treasury, and, by failing to take the developing Reformation seriously, he contributed to the The Importance of the Medici Family Corrections? Lorenzo de Medici (January 1, 1449 April 9, 1492) called Il Magnifico (The Magnificent) is probably the most well-known member of the Medici family; he was the son of Piero de Medici and Lucrezia Tornabuoni and the grandson of Cosimo the Elder.. While staying in the Medici home, he also refined his technique under the tutelage of Bertoldo di Giovanni, keeper of Lorenzos collection of ancient Roman sculptures and a noted sculptor himself. World Encyclopedia. Role In: Renaissance See all related content Medici family, French Mdicis, Italian bourgeois family that ruled Florence and, later, Tuscany during most of the period from 1434 to 1737, except for two brief intervals (from 1494 to 1512 and from 1527 to 1530). To the generation of Italians who lived through the French invasions of Naples in 1494 and Milan in 1499, and the lengthy conflicts they initiated, Lorenzo came to personify a lost golden age of peace, prosperity, and cultural efflorescence. In 1486 Lorenzo negotiated peace in the Baron's War between the papacy and Ferdinand of Naples. Why was Lorenzo de Medici so important to the In the very first scene, Botticelli is seen striding down the streets with Lorenzo de Medici, swords drawn Lorenzo de Medici's However, a dispute soon arose when the citizens of Volterra realized the real value of the resource and wanted it for their own city, rather than the Florentine bankers assisting them. The Renaissance (French for rebirth) was the period in Europe . Precisely because he was not an aristocrat, he became an important model in the 18th and 19th century for a new class of 'merchant princes'. Lorenzo de His policies bankrupted the Medici bank, but the political power of the Medici remained strong in Florence and Tuscany. And two years later, in February 1472, angry Volterrans attacked. ." Consequently the Pope agreed to a plot designed to rid Florence of both Lorenzo and his brother Giuliano. After the death of Lorenzo, the truce he had arranged among the city-states of northern Italy soon gave way. Omissions? Lorenzo also encouraged the development of humanism through the philosophers and scholars in his inner circle, who worked to reconcile the thought of Plato with Christian thought. The grandson of Cosimo deMedici, he was the most brilliant of the Medici family. Although not from a royal family or appointed to the throne, he held much political power as the ruler of Florence. Leonardo da Vinci's patrons: the people who paid for the masterpieces. A new constitution in 1480 simplified the structure of Florentine government. And in 1472 he won the hearts of all Florentines by saving the city from an imminent famine. Biography of Cosimo de' Medici, De Facto Ruler of Florence, Leonardo, Michelangelo & Raphael: Art of the Italian High Renaissance, Biography of Isabella d'Este, Patron of the Renaissance, Biography of Catherine de Medici, Renaissance Queen, Key Dates in Renaissance Philosophy, Politics, Religion, and Science, Biography of Lucrezia Borgia, Daughter of Pope Alexander VI, Industry and Agriculture History in Europe, M.F.A, Dramatic Writing, Arizona State University, B.A., English Literature, Arizona State University, B.A., Political Science, Arizona State University. London: Macmillan, 1996. 1449 - 1492, Florence, Italy. (June 29, 2023). Encyclopedia.com. Most online reference entries and articles do not have page numbers. Florence of Lorenzo the Magnificent Among those killed was Francesco Salviato, Archbishop of Pisa. It is not too much to say that Lorenzo, with his verses in the vernacular, elevated Tuscan Italian to the dignity and respect it had known in Dante's time, before the humanists buried it under mounds of classical Latin. Weba period of european history that began in Italy and spread to the rest of Europe. The Medici family is one of the most powerful and influential groups in European history. 100 vols. Naples soon became occupied with a more pressing issue, and through the works of unrelated third parties disrupting the conflict, Florence was able to reoccupy most of their territory., Pope Sixtus IV, now anxious for the support of all the Italian states against the Ottomans. Moreover, eventually caved in and asked no more of Lorenzo.. But, writes Dr Estelle Paranque, we shouldnt entirely believe in her dark legend Lorenzo continued the pattern established by his own marriage with those of his children: his son Piero would wed Alfonsina Orsini of Naples; his daughter Maddalena married an illegitimate son of Sixtus's successor, Pope Innocent VIII. Lorenzo de Medici Born in 1360, he essentially founded the Medici dynasty. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Lorenzo de Medici (14491492) encouraged his countrymen to order works from Florences best artists. Medici armed guards and pro-Medici mobs hunted down and executed many conspirators on that same day. Lorenzo de' Medici is known as Lorenzo the Magnificent for a reason. Protecting Science, Hubble Space Telescope Director. ." Lorenzo did not know it, but that promotion would prove vital to securing the family's position. Lorenzo realized he was putting all of Florence at risk for no great reason. Cite this article Pick a style below, and copy the text for your bibliography. Lorenzo de Medici summary . Lorenzo de' Medici Giovanni de Medici: First Power Broker. Renaissance Lorenzo was one of five children born to Piero di Cosimo de Medici and his wife, Lucrezia (nee Tournabuoni). When Lorenzo de' Medici was born in 1449, his family were enjoying an enviable position at the head of government in Florence. The Pope, enraged, excommunicated Lorenzo and placed an interdict on the city. Many scholars see it as a unique ti, LEO X (POPE) (14751521; reigned 15131521) Lorenzo de Medicis death on 8 April 1492 is often seen as the end of an era: he was only 43 but was suffering from the hereditary gout that afflicted his family. Lorenzo traveled to Naples and used his diplomatic skills to remove Naples as a threat. Late in Lorenzo's life the young Michelangelo (born in 1475) joined the group of artists who met in the sculpture garden of the Palazzo Medici, where they were able to study Lorenzo's collection of art and antiquities. Lorenzo was not an attractive man physically. Lorenzo succeeded his father, Piero. The problems spread; Lorenzo alienated his own relatives in the cadet branch [a junior line] of the family (descendants of Cosimo the Elder's brother, another Lorenzo) by helping himself to money held for them in trust. Synopsis. Lorenzo de' Medici is portrayed by Elliot Cowan in the 2013 TV series Da Vinci's Demons. Their attempt at overthrowing the Medici household would be unsuccessful. You could not be signed in, please check and try again. Lorenzo de Medici ruled Florence with his brother Giuliano from 1469 to 1478. Therefore, be sure to refer to those guidelines when editing your bibliography or works cited list. In what became known as the Pazzi Conspiracy, assassins succeeded in murdering Lorenzo's brother Giuliano while the pair were attending mass in Florence's cathedral. 29 Jun. "Lorenzo de' Medici WebLorenzo DE MEDICI Known as Lorenzo the Magnificent (Lorenzo il Magnifico), he was a diplomat, politician and patron of scholars, artists, and poets. Giuliano was slain, but Lorenzo escaped with wounds. There was no way of fully guaranteeing Lorenzos personal safety in his travels. Lorenzo put himself in the spotlight. Giuliano left behind an illegitimate son, Giulio, who was adopted and raised by Lorenzo and Clarice. He ruled Florence for some 20 years in the 15th century, during which time he brought stability to the region. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Dictionnaire de Biographie Franaise. At the age of seventeen he married Clarice Orsini, a member of a wealthy and influential Roman family. BE SURE TO FIRST CONSULT WITH A QUALIFIED FINANCIAL ADVISER, TAX PROFESSIONAL, OR ATTORNEY BEFORE IMPLEMENTING ANY STRATEGY OR RECOMMENDATION DISCUSSED HEREIN. Under this rule the prosperity of Florence grew, primarily through banking and commerce. WebLorenzo de Medici is one of the most important figures in the history of Italy. Armand-Jean du Plessis, cardinal et duc de Richelieu, https://www.britannica.com/summary/Lorenzo-de-Medici. Medici family The Dictionary of Art. Lorenzo became a strong leader and became commended by many Florentines. From the very beginning, Lorenzo de Medici was a major patron of the arts, even more so than others in the Medici dynasty, which always place a high value on the He was so important that people referred to him as 'il Magnifico,' the Magnificent. Lorenzo de' Medici - Wikipedia Antony. 19 vols. ." Prahl, Amanda. Leonardo da Vinci's patrons Labeled the savior of his country with his praises continuing to this very day as he is the face of fifteenth-century Italy and the leader of one of Europes greatest cultural epochs. When Poliziano and others scorned the new invention of printing from movable type, Lorenzo had the foresight to recognize its value and encourage its use. Roman and Iberian Inquisitions, Censorship and the Index i Royal Regencies in Renaissance and Reformation Europe, 140 Scholasticism and Aristotelianism: Fourteenth to Seventeen Sidney Herbert, Mary, Countess of Pembroke, Women and Work: Fourteenth to Seventeenth Centuries. Her latest book is The Beauty and the Terror: An Alternative History of the Italian Renaissance (Bodley Head, 2020). He died two years before the outbreak of war and the exile of the Medici. Dr. Steven Beckwith, Enhance Financial Workflows: The Role of an Online PDF Editor in Banking and Finance. Why was Lorenzo de Medici This would lead to the events of 26 April 1478. The pope then excommunicated Lorenzo and put the city of Florence under an interdict, forbidding the Florentines to celebrate Mass. These men had made their money from trade and industry but were not titled lords. Lorenzo de' Medici's death on April 8, 1492, brought a reversal of Michelangelo's circumstances. Physical shortcomings and a reputation for personal and commercial immorality, however, did not prevent him from being loved and admired. Jousting was an activity associated with the medieval chivalric tradition, and its revival in Florence at this time points to the ongoing process of gentrification of the Medici and their circle. an intellectual movement during the Renaissance that focused on the study of worldly subjects, such as poetry, philosophy and on human potential and achievements. He was tutored by some of the top thinkers of the day and accomplished some notable achievementssuch as winning a jousting tournamentwhile still a youth. In the 15 years since he had returned from exile, his grandfather, Cosimo de' Medici, had rebuilt their power by securing alliances with other city families through marriages like that of Lorenzo's father to Lucrezia Tornabuoni. The de Medicis made a real and telling contribution to the arts, politics, and stability of Italy and encouraged the intellectual and cultural flourishing that became known Lorenzo de Often excessively. Encyclopedia.com. Copy this link, or click below to email it to a friend. Some of his poetryoften concerned with the human condition as a combination of the bright and lovely alongside the melancholy and temporarysurvives to this day. He arrived with the condition that he would be welcomed and his personal safety guaranteed.. ." WebAlthough Lorenzo himself commissioned relatively few major works, he was an important arbiter of taste. In the brief, five-year period of his rule, Piero commissioned a spectacular fresco series from Benozzo Gozzoli for the chapel of the family palazzo, showing the procession of the Magi. However, neither of these resources is likely to be completed for many years. Lorenzo de Medici had a great impact on the Italian Renaissance and was a force that changed history. WebMedici patronage. He ruled Florence for some 20 years in the 15th century, during which time he brought stability to the region. Lorenzo il Magnifico, or Lorenzo the Magnificent, ruled the Italian city of Florence as a patron of artists, writers, and humanists. See Also: Medici, Cosimo de'; Michelangelo Buonarroti; Pazzi Conspiracy. The conspirators were executed, and members of their families were also severely punished. He also brought the charismatic friar Savonarola to Florence, who preached about the destructive nature of secular art and philosophy, among other things. His policies bankrupted the Medici bank, but the political power of the Medici remained strong in Florence and Tuscany. REBELLION RESEARCH ADVISORS, L.P. IS A REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISER AND NOT FOR PROFIT EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH THINK TANK. Lorenzo was the greatest artistic patron of the Renaissance. He made it his mission, at the expense of his safety, to travel to Naples. The pope argued that Imola was within the papal states and threatened a series of spiritual and temporal penalties, leading to the purchase of Imola by the papacy instead of the Florentines. . But the groundworks for an insurrection had not become prepared. Amanda Prahl is a playwright, lyricist, freelance writer, and university instructor. worldly. Giuliano was assassinated in 1478 by the Pazzi, a leading Florentine banking family, which was in league with Pope Sixtus IV (who did not support the assassination) and the king of Naples. Ferrante was won over by Lorenzo's charm and his persuasive argument that it would not do for Italy to be divided or Florence destroyed. The situation worked out to Florences benefit. Art Exam 2 WebThe latter was based on a subject suggested by Poliziano and was commissioned by Lorenzo de' Medici. "Biography of Lorenzo de' Medici." Who was the first member of the Medici family? 1464) and father Piero (b. WebKnown as Lorenzo the Magnificent, the Florentine statesman and arts patron is considered the most brilliant of the Medici. A detailed reference work of relevance for the various artists, sculptors, and architects whose names have been associated with Lorenzo, associations that may have involved direct patronage or may have consisted of recommendations to other patrons. Lesson Procedures . WebCatherine de Medici was a powerful woman in the Renaissance era. The peninsula again fell into violent squabbling and became prey to foreign rulers, including the king of France, who invaded Italy in 1494. Why was Cosimo deMedici important to the Renaissance? The Dizionario biografico degli italiani is the principal reference work for all significant figures who lived in any of the Italian states and should be consulted for Lorenzos political, ecclesiastical, and cultural contemporaries. During his reign, the city saw a rebirth of the arts and scholarship that is known as the Renaissance. The Pazzi conspiracy involved other families, such as the Salviati clan, and was backed by Pope Sixtus IV in an attempt to overthrow the Medici. The Renaissance was on its way even before Lorenzo de Medici came to power. WebOne of the most influential and significant of these Renaissance families was the Medici, which became especially important in the Renaissance city-state of Florence. Netflixs Medici: The Magnificent Facts vs. Fiction The people of Florence rallied to the Medici standard and visited a terrible retribution on the hapless conspirators, most of whom did not survive the day. On the death of Piero de' Medici in 1469, Lorenzo became head of the family and, with his brother Giuliano serving as his co ruler, the leading citizen of Florence. Grab a signed and hardback copy of Tom Holland's Pax: War and Peace in Rome's Golden Age - worth 30! WebCaterina Maria Romola di Lorenzo de Medici was born in Florence on 13 April 1519. His parents gave Lorenzo a thorough education in ancient Greek and Latin, and the classical authors. Persuaded by his adversary's bold actions, Ferdinand made a truce with Florence, and both Naples and Florence were spared a costly war. (June 29, 2023). . History of the Medici 1. It became, Lorenzana y Buitrn, Francisco Antonio de (17221804), Loretto Sisters (Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary), Loretto v. Teleprompter Manhattan Catv Corp. 458 U.S. 419 (1982), https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/lorenzo-de-medici, https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/arts-construction-medicine-science-and-technology-magazines/medici-lorenzo-de-1449-1492, https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/medici-lorenzo-de. 1920, English Puritans, Quakers, Dissenters, and Recusants, Japan and Europe: the Christian Century, 1549-1650, Monarchy in Renaissance and Reformation Europe, Female, Netherlands (Dutch Revolt/ Dutch Republic), The, Platonism, Neoplatonism, and the Hermetic Tradition, Reformation and Hussite Revolution, Czech, Reformation and Wars of Religion in France, The, Reformations and Revolt in the Netherlands, 15001621. How did the de Medici contribute to the Renaissance It does not separate primary and secondary sources. Remembered for: His skill as a politician and diplomat, being a banker to the papacy, and his enthusiastic patronage of the arts. Medici 2016 | Maturity Rating: TV-MA | 3 Seasons | Drama. Moreover, survivors of the family became forced to change names. For more information or to contact an Oxford Sales Representative click here. Lorenzo de'Medici of Florence | Biography & Accomplishments 1389d. 1449d. Volume 73 (2009) contains the biographies of over forty members of the Medici family, including Ingeborg Walters entry on Lorenzo (pp. What could not be bought was copied, and Lorenzo permitted the scribes of other eager book collectors to copy from his stores. Verrocchios most important works were executed in the last two decades of his life. Retrieved June 29, 2023 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/arts-construction-medicine-science-and-technology-magazines/medici-lorenzo-de-1449-1492. WebLorenzo de' Medici appears as a supporting character to the protagonist, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, after they help foil the Pazzi conspirators in Assassin's Creed II. Lorenzo de' Medici, The Complete Literary Works, edited and translated by Guido A. Guarino (New York: Italica Press, 2016). Lorenzo de the Medici? A Nutshell History of Florence's Your current browser may not support copying via this button. Lorenzo had his share of bleak moments and political rivals, but he also had many moments of victory and accomplishment. Corrections? Retrieved June 29, 2023 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/medici-lorenzo-de. However, the date of retrieval is often important. House of Medici And the Florentine government, but just two days later, Lorenzos army, without his approval, entered Volterra, massacred an unrecorded number of citizens, and sacked it. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/biography-of-lorenzo-de-medici-4588616. Humanism. In 1478, the Pazzi and Salviati families attempted a plot to displace the Medicis with the approval of Pope Sixtus IV, who was an enemy of the Florentine family. He even maintained good trading ties with the Ottoman Empire. Michelangelos bond with the family survived Lorenzo de Medicis death in 1492. He was the son of Piero the Gouty and the grandson of Cosimo, Pater Patriae. Revival of learning and culture in Europe. (2020, August 28). Who were the De Medici? Consequently, after citing a number of Reference Works, the present article explores the evolution of Lorenzos Reputation. He went by sea to Naples, virtually placing his life in the hands of the King. This content was published by HistoryExtra in 2021, Get your hands on a signed copy of Tom Holland's latest book worth 30 + FREE access to HistoryExtra.com when you subscribe to BBC History Magazine or BBC History Revealed. POPULATION: About 58 million Lorenzo and the citizens of Florence defended their city, but the war took its toll, as some of Florences allies failed to come to their aid. At a time when the major city-states of Italy were engaged in a fierce political and economic rivalry with one another, Lorenzo de' Medici managed to preserve the And killed two leading Volterran Mediceans. Beginning an insurrection and secession from Florence. . Lorenzo was considered the Wise, the needle on the Italian scales, and ruled from 1478 to 1492. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/lorenzo-de-medici, "Lorenzo de' Medici He had a heavy face with a large flat nose and a swarthy complexion. ." Encyclopedia.com. He had the traditional training of a 'Renaissance man' in the humanities and arts, from tutors including the leading philosopher Marsilio Ficino. In addition to stating that he lacked such funds (whether true or not), Lorenzo asked the wealthy Pazzi family not to provide the pope with the funds, either. this page. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, UC Berkeleys Financial Innovation Conference, Hannibal. Caesar. During his reign as de facto leader of the Florentine Republic, he held together political alliances while sponsoring artists and encouraging the peak of the Italian Renaissance. 4 Lorenzos joust featured spectacular ephemeral decorations made by the leading artists of the day: Lorenzo de' Medici's death on April 8, 1492, Encyclopedia of World Biography. He was buried in the Church of San Lorenzo, alongside his brother Giuliano. Eventually, Lorenzo personally traveled to Naples to forge a diplomatic solution. When that failed to bring Lorenzo around, he tried allying with Naples and launched an invasion. Festivals combined literary and nonliterary elements, so are placed ahead of the Visual Culture, which spans the building of villas in the Florentine contado, references to a sculpture garden in the city and the cultural dimension of interstate diplomacy. WebMost important to Lorenzo's plans was a friendly relationship with Pope Innocent VIII (14321492; reigned 148492). To maintain a sense of dominance over the Florentines that he thought would best fit his style of governing. Lorenzos own marriage took place the same year he took over from his father; he married Clarice Orsini, the daughter of a nobleman from another Italian state. Key Accomplishments: A powerful force during the reigns of three successive kings, Catherine played a major role in 16th-century politics. Arguably one of the key events in the Renaissance, in 1454, Johannes Gutenberg published the Gutenberg Bible, using a new printing press technology that would revolutionize European literacy. 1492) was the third head of the Medici dynasty to use commercial wealth and international banking connections to lead Florences dominant political faction, undermine its republican constitution, and exercise strategic influence over its relations with other states. The sensationalist friar would, in a few years time, help salvage Florence from French invasion, but would also lead to the end of Medici rule. Artists who enjoyed Lorenzos patronage included some of the most influential names of the Renaissance: Leonardo da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, and Michelangelo Buonarroti. Lorenzo staged great festivals, processions, and entertainments for the citizens of Florence. The Medici family originally originate in a small village to the north of Florence. LANGUAGE: Italian, French, Slovene, German, and Fruilian Battle of Teutoburg Forest. Encyclopedia.com. Lorenzo de Medici, (January 1, 1449 April 8, 1492) was a Florentine politician and one of the most prominent patrons of arts and culture in Italy. Encyclopedia.com. 29 Jun. But the great wealth and influence of the Medici family were cause for grave alarm for Pope Sixtus IV, who sought to extend the papal territories northward to the frontier of Tuscany.