The Medici family ruled the Republic of Florence for a significant portion of the 15th and 16th centuries and they were the most respected of the merchant families of the time. The Medici family were patrons of many famous artists and scholars of Italy and as a result of their patronage the Medici family has become synonymous with the cultural phenomenon of the Italian Renaissance. The Renaissance, beginning in Florence and spreading throughout the rest of Europe, was the rebirth of classical civilization. The arts made great progress with creating radical, new techniques impacting literature, philosophy, science, culture and religion. In the Renaissance, for these great works of art to come into existence, it was necessary for great people
…show more content…
Many members of the Medici family shared a great love of the arts and it was through their patronage and spending lavishly on art and architecture, they were able to spread their influence and increase their political power. The Medici were the most influential of all families and were able to rule with many supporters due to this unique patronage. Their desire was to use the art to gain and maintain support from the city of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Through their patronage, the Medici family’s influence and power can be seen in various artworks and architecture by the imbedding of various codes and emblems which were symbolic of the family. These symbols of the Medici family were represented as the Saints Cosmas and Damian, the Medici Coat of Arms and other emblems such as oranges, laurel leaves, and diamond rings. It was through these symbols, which the Medici family’s name could spread their influence which would last through time and be recognised by all. The Medici family are an example of how planned spending increased and furthered their fortunes and influence in politics, society and …show more content…
The most famous of the Medici, Lorenzo the Magnificent besides being a patron of the arts, was a humanist. He was a member of the Platonic Academy of Philosophy and gathered around him a coterie of artists and gifted men. This coterie involved the leading humanists: Poliziano, Pico, Ficino and others. Humanism became a central element of the Renaissance with its emphasis on learning, and its return to classical sources, which in turn influenced art. Humanism changed people’s thoughts about how they lived their lives on earth, shifting from thoughts of the afterlife to focusing on the here and now. This shift was present in art as there was a movement away from religious themes. As evident in many Medici commissioned works, humanism could even be seen in religious paintings with Italian landscapes in the background and portraying saints and the holy family as realistic looking humans, rather than purely divine beings. Humanists and artists often worked together in the creation of images for their patrons, producing extraordinary propaganda to increase their patron’s status and influence. Through the patronage of art, the Medici were able to express their personal views and interpretations of their reading of humanist work. The patronage of the arts by the Medici, was employed for a variety of reasons. One reason being that patronage
Many members of the Medici family shared a great love of the arts and it was through their patronage and spending lavishly on art and architecture, they were able to spread their influence and increase their political power. The Medici were the most influential of all families and were able to rule with many supporters due to this unique patronage. Their desire was to use the art to gain and maintain support from the city of Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Through their patronage, the Medici family’s influence and power can be seen in various artworks and architecture by the imbedding of various codes and emblems which were symbolic of the family. These symbols of the Medici family were represented as the Saints Cosmas and Damian, the Medici Coat of Arms and other emblems such as oranges, laurel leaves, and diamond rings. It was through these symbols, which the Medici family’s name could spread their influence which would last through time and be recognised by all. The Medici family are an example of how planned spending increased and furthered their fortunes and influence in politics, society and …show more content…
The most famous of the Medici, Lorenzo the Magnificent besides being a patron of the arts, was a humanist. He was a member of the Platonic Academy of Philosophy and gathered around him a coterie of artists and gifted men. This coterie involved the leading humanists: Poliziano, Pico, Ficino and others. Humanism became a central element of the Renaissance with its emphasis on learning, and its return to classical sources, which in turn influenced art. Humanism changed people’s thoughts about how they lived their lives on earth, shifting from thoughts of the afterlife to focusing on the here and now. This shift was present in art as there was a movement away from religious themes. As evident in many Medici commissioned works, humanism could even be seen in religious paintings with Italian landscapes in the background and portraying saints and the holy family as realistic looking humans, rather than purely divine beings. Humanists and artists often worked together in the creation of images for their patrons, producing extraordinary propaganda to increase their patron’s status and influence. Through the patronage of art, the Medici were able to express their personal views and interpretations of their reading of humanist work. The patronage of the arts by the Medici, was employed for a variety of reasons. One reason being that patronage