ARTS
FLORENCE AND THE
Finer Things HOW THE MEDICI FAMILY MADE FLORENCE AN EPICENTER OF THE ARTS Written and photographed by Olivia Peters, Arts Staff Writer
F
rom the vantage point of the Piazzale Michelangelo, the city of Florence looks like a greenscreen image. The panoramic view features the Arno River in the foreground and the Chianti Mountains as a backdrop. The skyline has changed very little since the 1430s, when Florence became the epicenter of the Renaissance.
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I had the chance to go to Italy in the spring of 2019 when I visited my boyfriend who was studying abroad. We only had one week together to explore all of Italy’s hotspots, so each day was an exciting blur of sightseeing, museums and mind-blowing food. At the time, Florence was just another name on the list. I knew some of its history already, but I had no idea the effect that the city would have on me or how clearly it would live in my mind over a year later.
On our first night in town walking through the streets, we noticed a constant stream of people headed up a steady incline. With a general idea of what we’d find at the top, we followed. When we reached the overlook of the Piazzale Michelangelo, I fell in love. Not only was I looking at a piece of history, but at one of the most beautiful architectural skylines I’d ever seen. I have the Medici family to thank for that view. The Medici family became prominent during the 13th century due to their roles as bankers and merchants in the city.1 The Vatican, for example, was one of the family’s major, long-time clients.2 The Medicis were also Reinke, Kira. “How The Medici Influenced Renaissance Florence.” Barnebys.com. Barnebys, June 26, 2020. 2 Nix, Elizabeth. “7 Things You May Not Know About the Medicis.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, November 16, 2016. 1
devoted patrons of the arts, having commissioned numerous pieces of work which remain invaluable today. It is Cosimo de Medici’s vision in specific which we have to thank for establishing Florence as the center of artistic revolution during the beginning of the Renaissance. In 1434, Cosimo de Medici rose to heights greater than any of his family before him, driven by ambitions for Florence, as well as the potential he saw in his family’s business. He ruled Florence as an uncrowned leader of the people for the majority of his life and cultivated a massive collection of art.3 Between the 14th and 16th centuries, Europe as a whole saw the rebirth of art, architecture and literature in a period known as the History.com Editors. “The Medici Family.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, November 9, 2009. 3