The Medici Family and Palazzo Vecchio
Florence
Palazzo Vecchio• Originally called the Palazzo della Signoria after the ruling
body of the Republic of Florence
• Commissioned around 1300 because the people of Florence wanted a grand palace
• Architect was Arnolfo di Cambio
• Built upon the ruins of two older Palazzos• Kept existing tower which made it asymmetrical
Architecture
• The Palazzo is a cubical building that is made entirely out of stone
• Has two rows of Gothic windows and a set of decorative arches that are painted with the nine coats of arms of the Florentine Republic
• Above the entrance to the palace is ornamental marble flanked by two gilded lions
• Michelangelo’s David (replica) and Baccio Bandenelli’s Hercules and Cacus stand by the entrance as well
• The palace contains three courtyards and many ornate rooms
• The rooms were originally built to house the work of the Signoria, but many evolved over time
• Rooms either named for their use or the artwork that is found there• Terrace of the Sun, The Hercules Room, The Lion
House
• Also has a chapel: Chapel of the Signoria
Interior
• Became Palazzo when Duke Cosimo I de’Medici moved his family into it
• Since 1872 the office of the mayor of Florence has been housed here, along with the city council
Evolution
Medici FamilyBackground:
• Originally from an agricultural region in the north of Florence
• Connected to elite Florentines through marriages and partnerships
• Began there rise to power through the wool trade
Rise To Power
• Giovanni Di Bicci de’Medici founded the Medici bank, and consequently became one of the richest men in Florence
• Medici’s were innovators in financial accounting -Invented the ledger
• Created the florin(currency) which at one point was used throughout Europe as the preferred currency
• Came to manage most of the great fortunes in Europe
Power• Giovanni’s son took over the family business in 1434
• Cosimo, Piero, and Lorenzo controlled Florence without abolishing the representative government • Strongest rulers in the family
• Fought over power with the Albizzi family Took turns exiling each other
• The Medicis controlled the Papacy while in power
Contributions To The Renaissance:
• Sponsored a many art works and architecture during the High Renaissance• Brunelleschi, Donatello, Fra Angelico
• Lorenzo was the greatest patron in the family• Took in Michelangelo and served as a patron to Leonardo da Vinci
• Public Works:• Brunelleschi’s Dome• Rebuilding of the San Lorenzo Parish• Lorenzo’s salons and art school
• Private Works• Medici Palace• David by Donatello• Family Tombs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBlGkTTol9E&feature=player_detailpage
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