Jessica Nawrocki
Prof Slowik
Art History
9 June 2013
Medici Family
The Medici family, commonly known as the House of Medici, is a renowned political, banking as well as royal dynasty. It originated in Mugello Region, North of the Republic of Florence and began to rise to fame in the late fourteenth century. The family is esteemed for establishing the Medici Bank, the largest bank in Europe in the fifteenth century. According to Harold (1980), the Medici family is renowned for producing four Popes of the Roman Catholic Church, two queens of France as well as numerous Dukes of Florence. The prominence of this family was largely attributed to its unmatched wealth and influence. For this reason, the Medici family dominated the governance of Florence. They eventually brought Florence under their power. This made it easy for them to control and enhance the development of an environment where art and humanism flourished to large extents. The Medici family greatly impacted in the overall welfare of the society as well as art during its reign and today.
One of the greatest legacies of the Medici family was the role it played in the development and flourishing of both art and architecture. More often than not, this family is referred to as the Godfathers of the Renaissance for its contribution in early and high renaissance art and architecture. The renowned Florentine art dates back to the time of the Medici reign. The family supported many artists during the period of their reign. This greatly enhanced the flourishing of art.
In my opinion, financial resources significantly support the development of any given society. This was evident even during the time of the Medici reign. Recognizing this fact, the Medici family dedicated a large amount of its vast resources towards the development their society, mostly through art and architecture. In particular, the Medici family sponsored art and architecture. They also patronized many artists of the renaissance period.
During the time of the Medici dynasty, money was significant in the development of art. This is because artists were only willing to work after receiving their commissions early in advance. With its massive wealth, the Medici family prompted art in many ways. They commissioned a wide range of artistic works. For instance, Giovanni di Bicci de Medici extended his generous support to Massaccio, a great painter during the Italian Renaissance. In addition, Giovanni supported the reconstruction of the San Lorenzo Basilica.
Another great contribution and influence of the Medici family in regard to art was the support it gave to Michelangelo Buonarrotti. He is remembered for producing numerous works for many members of the Medici family. Other contributions of the Medici family include the collection and acquisition of numerous works of art and architecture. Some of their most distinguished artistic and architectural features include the Medici Chapel, the Uffizi Gallery as well as the Palazzo Medici
In Rome, the Medici continued their support for art. For instance Pope Leo X perpetuated the family’s long-bound tradition of patronizing art. Pope Clement VII commissioned the painting of the walls of Sistine Chapel. In addition, Marie de Medici commissioned the paintings referred to as the Marie de’ Medici cycle. Some of these works of arts have remained artistic masterpieces, which still receive global recognition to date.
From the above mentioned examples, it is evident that