Power and Art: The legacy of the Medici family in renaissance art and architecture
The Renaissance, a period of great significance in European history, is remembered as a period of many new discoveries and developments – exploration of new continents, growth of trade, innovations, such as gunpowder, the marine compass and the substitution of the Copernican for the Ptolemaic system in astrology.
The Renaissance followed a period of cultural stagnation and decline and is characterized with revival of Classical teachings and wisdom. Naturally, such a period of revival saw its spirit expressed mainly through art and architecture.
Art flourished during Renaissance, it became as important as science and religion, art was even considered to be science in the High Period of Renaissance, having in mind that it became a tool for expression and observation of the visible world, and the works of many of its most prominent painters, were created following principles of perspective and mathematics.
Central to this flourishing of art was the Medici family, a powerful and wealthy dynasty from Florence, whose patronage of the arts became instrumental in the shaping of this era.
Medici family members placed allegorically in the entourage of a king from the Three Wise Men in the Tuscan countryside in a Benozzo Gozzoli fresco (c. 1459).
The Medicis were originally bankers and wool merchants. They rose to power after the financial crisis faced by the Bonsignoris of Siena in 1298 and the creation of the Medici bank, which allowed them to build powerful relationships, and subsequently led to the movement of Italy’s financial hub from Siena to Florence.
During renaissance, patronages were the main conductors for the development of art and architecture. Wealthy families provided financial support to artists, but the Medici’s patronage extended beyond mere material support. By commissioning countless works from the best artists of the time, the Medicis became the cultural life of Florence and solidified their stature and legacy in the city.
This prominent family supported the works of many of the most famous artists, that we study today. An example is Sandro Botticelli, who created some of his most famous works like the “Primavera” and the “Birth of Venus” as a beneficiary of the Medicis.
Sandro Botticelli, The Birth of Venus (c. 1484–1486). Tempera on canvas. Uffizi Gallery, Florence
Michelangelo himself was taken under the wing of Lorenzo de Medici, who provided him with a place in his household and endless artistic and material resources.
Leonardo Da Vinci was also a beneficiary of Lorenzo de Medici’s support, which provided him with opportunities to work on many significant projects.
Beyond paintings and sculptures, the Medicis had a profound impact on architecture. They commissioned some of the most iconic buildings in Florence, like the Pallazzo Medici Ricardi, or the Medici Chapel, designed by Michelangelo. All those architectural projects were a testament of the Medici’s power and sophistication.
The Sagrestia Nuova; on the left is the tomb of Lorenzo de' Medici, Duke of Urbino; on the right, the altar. Copyright belongs to: Richard Mortel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Chapel of the Princes, early 17th century; San Lorenzo, Florence (2), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=118261900
The Medici family’s influence was infused in education as well. They created and funded the Platonic Academy, which became the intellectual center of studies of classical philosophy and humanism. This fusion of classic and contemporary thought, which was encouraged at the academy, brought forward the emphasis on the dignity and potential of the individual, which in turn became a driving force of the shaping of renaissance art, leading to more expressive works.
At the peak of their influence, the Medicis extended their power to the Vatican, with the election of Medici family members to the papacy.
Both Medici Popes – Leo X and Clement VII used their positions to patronize the arts beyond Florence. They commissioned significant projects, such as St. Peter’s Basilica and projects of Raphael and Michelangelo.
The Medici Legacy
Even through tumultuous times, faced with political and financial challenges, the Medicis continued their quest to support artistic development.
Today, we can see their legacy all throughout Florence, a legacy that shaped an entire historical period and established numerous artistic institutions. An example is the Uffizi gallery, originally commissioned by Cosimo I de Medici, which still stands today and houses one of the most significant collections of Renaissance art.
The contribution of the Medicis to the cultural enrichment of the renaissance period will carry their name through countless generations. With their commitment they fostered the talent of some of the greatest artists, known today.