Figure 1.--Here we see Lorenzo the Magnificent pictured between two members of the Sassetti family. This is a detail of a fresco by Domenico--"Confirmation of the Franciscan Rule" (1485). We are not sure who the boy is at the right, but apparently is another Sassetti.

Next came Piero's son, Lorenzo (1449-92)--known to history as the Magnificent. The titles comes from his role as aoweing figure of the Renaissance. Lorenso suceeded his father at the age of 20 years. He would rule Florence for 23 years, often behind the scenes. Lorenzo continued the Midici practice of maintaing the republican facade of the Commune. Except in name, Lorenzo was every bit a feudal lord. Lorenzo is the most famous of all the Medici. The Medici who had made their name by championing the popular interests, changed with Lorenzo who promoted the the political interests of the nobility. He is best known as a lover and patron of the arts and philosophy. He was a strong force in promoting humanism. He is the very definition of a Renaissance man. He not only was a poet, philosopher, patron of the arts, but also a very astute politican. He sought to preserve peace in Italy by acting as a balancing force among the warring Italian states. His financial support of Pope Innocent VIII helped obtain a appointment as cardinal for his son Giovanni--later Pope Leo X. He tolerated the attacks of Girolamo Savonarola. Lorenzo spent lavishly to acquire Greek and Latin manuscripts and to have them copied to make them available throughout Europe. He promoted the use of Italian in literature. Lorenzo was wounded during the Pazzi conspiracy (1478). Ironically, probably the next most famous Medici and possibly the most important was Piero's granddaughter and Loenzo's daughter Catherine. Who although orphaned shortly after birth went on to become Queen of France, Regent, and mother of three kings. She would prove to be the most important woman of the Catholic Counter Reformation.

Created: 7:58 AM 5/7/2009
Last updated: 1:51 AM 10/7/2018