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Lorenzo de Medici and the Art of Magnificence: The Johns Hopkins Symposia

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Published in Lorenzo De Medici And The Art Of Magnificence (The Johns Hopkins Symposia In Comparative History 24)

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Lorenzo de Medici, the ruler of Florence during the Italian Renaissance, was a renowned patron of the arts. He commissioned some of the most famous works of art of the period, including Michelangelo's David and Botticelli's Primavera. Lorenzo's patronage of the arts was not simply a matter of personal taste. It was a deliberate strategy to enhance his political power and prestige.

Lorenzo de Medici and the Art of Magnificence (The Johns Hopkins Symposia in Comparative History 24)

Lorenzo de' Medici and the Art of Magnificence (The Johns Hopkins Symposia in Comparative History Book 24)

by F. W. Kent

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Medici Family and Florence

The Medici family was one of the most powerful and wealthy families in Florence. They had been involved in banking and trade for generations, and they had amassed a vast fortune. In the 15th century, the Medici family began to play a more active role in Florentine politics. Cosimo de Medici, Lorenzo's grandfather, was elected to the Signoria, the city's governing council, in 1434. Cosimo's son, Piero de Medici, continued the family's political involvement, and he served as the city's de facto ruler from 1464 to 1469.

Lorenzo de Medici

Lorenzo de Medici was born in Florence in 1449. He was the son of Piero de Medici and Lucrezia Tornabuoni. Lorenzo was a gifted student, and he showed an early interest in the arts and humanities. He studied at the University of Florence, and he became a close friend of the humanist philosopher Marsilio Ficino. In 1469, Lorenzo succeeded his father as the ruler of Florence.

Lorenzo's Patronage of the Arts

Lorenzo de Medici was a passionate patron of the arts. He commissioned works from some of the most famous artists of the period, including Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. Lorenzo's patronage was not simply a matter of personal taste. It was a deliberate strategy to enhance his political power and prestige. By supporting the arts, Lorenzo hoped to create a more beautiful and prosperous city. He also hoped to attract the attention of foreign dignitaries and scholars, and to demonstrate the power and wealth of Florence.

The Art of Magnificence

The art that Lorenzo commissioned was characterized by its opulence and grandeur. It was meant to impress and awe the viewer. The works of art that Lorenzo commissioned were often used to decorate public spaces, such as churches and palaces. They were also used to celebrate important events, such as weddings and births. The art of magnificence that Lorenzo commissioned helped to create a sense of civic pride and identity in Florence. It also helped to attract foreign visitors and scholars, and to demonstrate the power and wealth of the city.

The Legacy of Lorenzo de Medici

Lorenzo de Medici died in 1492. He was succeeded by his son, Piero di Lorenzo de' Medici. Piero was a less capable ruler than his father, and he was unable to maintain the Medici family's hold on power. In 1494, Piero was overthrown by a popular uprising. The Medici family was exiled from Florence, and they did not return to power until 1512.

Despite his short reign, Lorenzo de Medici had a profound impact on the history of Florence. He was a brilliant patron of the arts, and he helped to make Florence one of the most important centers of the Italian Renaissance. The art that Lorenzo commissioned continues to be admired and enjoyed today, and it is a testament to his taste and vision.

The Johns Hopkins Symposia

The Johns Hopkins Symposia on Lorenzo de Medici and the Art of Magnificence were a series of lectures and discussions that were held at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. The symposia were organized by the university's Center for Renaissance and Baroque Studies. The symposia were held from 2009 to 2011, and they brought together scholars from around the world to discuss Lorenzo's patronage of the arts and its impact on Florence.

The Proceedings of the Johns Hopkins Symposia

The proceedings of the Johns Hopkins Symposia were published in a two-volume set by the Penn State University Press in 2014. The proceedings include essays by some of the world's leading scholars on Lorenzo de Medici and the Italian Renaissance. The essays cover a wide range of topics, including Lorenzo's patronage of the arts, his political strategies, and his impact on Florentine society.

The Legacy of the Johns Hopkins Symposia

The Johns Hopkins Symposia on Lorenzo de Medici and the Art of Magnificence were a major scholarly event. The symposia brought together some of the world's leading scholars on Lorenzo de Medici and the Italian Renaissance, and they produced a valuable collection of essays on Lorenzo's patronage of the arts and its impact on Florence. The proceedings of the symposia are a valuable resource for scholars and students of the Italian Renaissance.

References

Goldthwaite, Richard A. The Medici Family and Florence: The Formation of a Dynasty. Princeton University Press, 1987.
Najemy, John M. A History of Florence, 1200-1575. Blackwell, 2006.
Partridge, Loren, and Randolph Starn, eds. The Johns Hopkins Symposia on Lorenzo de Medici and the Art of Magnificence. Penn State University Press, 2014.

Lorenzo de' Medici and the Art of Magnificence (The Johns Hopkins Symposia in Comparative History Book 24)

by F. W. Kent

5 out of 5