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The Medici Family and Palazzo Vecchio Florence Palazzo Vecchio Palazzo Vecchio • Originally called the Palazzo della Signoria after the ruling body of the Republic of Florence • Commissioned around 1300 because the people of Florence wanted a grand palace • Architect was Arnolfo di Cambio • Built upon the ruins of two older Palazzos • Kept existing tower which made it asymmetrical Architecture • The Palazzo is a cubical building that is made entirely out of stone • Has two rows of Gothic windows and a set of decorative arches that are painted with the nine coats of arms of the Florentine Republic • Above the entrance to the palace is ornamental marble flanked by two gilded lions • Michelangelo’s David (replica) and Baccio Bandenelli’s Hercules and Cacus stand by the entrance as well Interior • The palace contains three courtyards and many ornate rooms • The rooms were originally built to house the work of the Signoria, but many evolved over time • Rooms either named for their use or the artwork that is found there • Terrace of the Sun, The Hercules Room, The Lion House • Also has a chapel: Chapel of the Signoria Evolution • Became Palazzo when Duke Cosimo I de’Medici moved his family into it • Since 1872 the office of the mayor of Florence has been housed here, along with the city council Background: Medici Family • Originally from an agricultural region in the north of Florence • Connected to elite Florentines through marriages and partnerships • Began there rise to power through the wool trade Rise To Power • Giovanni Di Bicci de’Medici founded the Medici bank, and consequently became one of the richest men in Florence • Medici’s were innovators in financial accounting -Invented the ledger • Created the florin(currency) which at one point was used throughout Europe as the preferred currency • Came to manage most of the great fortunes in Europe Power • Giovanni’s son took over the family business in 1434 • Cosimo, Piero, and Lorenzo controlled Florence without abolishing the representative government • Strongest rulers in the family • Fought over power with the Albizzi family Took turns exiling each other • The Medicis controlled the Papacy while in power Contributions To The Renaissance: • Sponsored a many art works and architecture during the High Renaissance • Brunelleschi, Donatello, Fra Angelico • Lorenzo was the greatest patron in the family • Took in Michelangelo and served as a patron to Leonardo da Vinci • Public Works: • Brunelleschi’s Dome • Rebuilding of the San Lorenzo Parish • Lorenzo’s salons and art school • Private Works • Medici Palace • David by Donatello • Family Tombs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBlGkTTol9E&feature=player_detailpage