Medici Patronage in the 15th Century
Dr. Rocky Ruggiero
From their insignificant medieval origins to their role as bankers to Europe’s most important rulers, this course will examine the meteoric rise to power and artistic legacy of the most famous family of the Renaissance – the Medici. We shall also explore how the art and architecture of the early Renaissance became the visual geopolitical language of the Medici - which was clearly a language of power. Artists such as Donatello, Brunelleschi, Botticelli, and Michelangelo all developed under and enjoyed Medici largesse. This course will focus on the patronage, political influence and artistic tastes of the four most important Medici men of the 15th century: Giovanni di Bicci, Cosimo “the Elder,” Piero “the Gouty,” and Lorenzo “il Magnifico.”
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LECTURE 1 "Giovanni di Bicci- Patriarch and Peacekeeper"
Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici is considered the patriarch of the Medici family that we celebrate today. It was Giovanni who founded the Medici bank in Florence in 1397 and who set the tone for Medici patronage for almost the entire 15th century. This lecture will explore Giovanni’s rise to preemin...
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LECTURE 2 "Cosimo "the Elder" de' Medici - the Pater Patriae"
According to the famous political theorist, Niccolò Machiavelli, “Those who rejoiced at Giovanni’s (di Bicci) death, now regretted it, perceiving what manner of man Cosimo was.”
Described as the greatest political boss in the history of political boss-ship, Cosimo – son of Giovanni - consolidated... -
LECTURE 3 "Piero the Gouty de' Medici- Sowing the Seeds of Dynasty"
With the death of Cosimo in 1464, his son Piero took over the family. Known as “the Gouty” because he was often bed-ridden by the condition. Not as celebrated as his father (Cosimo) or son (Lorenzo), he did successfully remain at the helm of the family for 5 years and put down a coup in 1458 led ...
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LECTURE 4 "Lorenzo "il Magnifico" de' Medici- A Prince all but in name"
When Piero passed in 1469, his 20-year-old son Lorenzo took over the family. Known as “il Magnifico”, Lorenzo embodied the ideal Renaissance man. Poet, statesman, soldier, and philosopher, he successfully navigated the murky waters of Renaissance politics and narrowly avoided an assassination att...
