HOUSE OF MEDICI

By:
Mishal Zarrar
Yusra Alam
 WHO WERE THE MEDICI?

• The House of Medici was an Italian banking family and political dynasty
that first began to gather prominence under Cosimo de' Medici in the
Republic of Florence during the first half of the 15th century.

• Through banking and commerce, the Medici rose to become one of the most
important houses in Florence.

• During Cosimo’s time, as well as that of his sons and particularly his
grandson, Lorenzo the Magnificent (1449-1492), Renaissance culture
flourished, and Florence became the cultural center of Europe.
 DE MEDICI BACKGROUND

• The early De Medici’s made their money in the wool trade. They used the profits that they made In the wool
trade to diversify their business interests.

• The Medici became involved in politics, and they were often involved with the popular party in Florence. In
general, the Medici liked to influence politics from behind the scene and used their wealth and connections to
achieve their goals.

• Cosimo was a very effective leader and was a skilled negotiator, and he brought stability to the city and made
it even wealthier.

• Cosimo was succeeded by his son Piero who had little of the abilities of his father. He died and was succeeded
by his son Lorenzo, who is known to history as Lorenzo the Magnificent. He was an excellent ruler and
brought peace and prosperity to Florence and its hinterland.
DE MEDICI AND THE REVIVAL OF GREEK
LEARNING
• Cosimo the Elder helped to introduce Ancient Greek manuscripts and
culture into Italy.

• He helped to negotiate the union of the Catholic and the Orthodox Church
that was formalized at the Council of Florence in 1439. This Union
ultimately failed, but it was to have a profound impact on the development
of the Renaissance.

• He inspired renewed interest in the works of the Greeks as he patronized

several Greek scholars from Byzantium and appeared to have secured some
manuscripts that were previously unknown in Florence.
Cosimo de Medici had an interest in the arts in the fifteenth century
and art was

The family was also genuinely fond of art, architecture, and literature.
Cosimo was very knowledgeable about architecture and Lorenzo the
Magnificent was a connoisseur of paintings and sculptures.

The Medici’s used their lavish wealth to patronize many of the greatest
artists of the time. The family was directly responsible for some of
the greatest works in the Renaissance.
 LEADERS OF THE RENAISSANCE

• The Medici are most famous for their patronage of the arts. Patronage is where a wealthy person or family
sponsors artists. They would pay artists commissions for major works of art. The Medici patronage had a
huge impact on the Renaissance, allowing artists to focus on their work without having to worry about
money.
• A significant amount of the art and architecture that was produced in Florence at the beginning of the
Renaissance was due to the Medici. Early on they supported the painter Masaccio and helped pay the
architect Brunelleschi to rebuild the Basilica of San Lorenzo. Other famous artists that the Medici
supported include Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello, and Leonardo da Vinci.

• The Medici didn't just support the arts and architecture. They also supported science. They supported the
famous scientist Galileo Galilei in his scientific efforts. Galileo also worked as a tutor for the Medici
children.