Lorenzo de Medici
Ranked #6,248 in Culture & Society, #131,402 overall | Donates to Save the Children
Lorenzo de Medici
He was also a patron of scholars, artists (such as Leonardo da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli), and poets.
Lorenzo admired Greek and Roman culture and tried to reconcile the ideas of Plato with his Christian beliefs. He published many Greek and Roman classics in a collection of books (begun by his grandfather, Cosimo) called the Medici Library (also called the Laurentian Library).
Lorenzo's life coincided with the high point of the early Italian Renaissance and with what we know as the Golden Age of Florence.
The era in which he lived was one of violence and uncertainty. There was an attempted assassination of Lorenzo and his brother Giulio by the Pazzi family, backed by the Archbishop of Pisa and Pope Sixtus IV -- Lorenzo was stabbed but survived. Peace between the various Italian states was nurtured by Lorenzo but collapsed after his death.
The Medici Family: Godfathers of the Renaissance
Magnifico: The Brilliant Life and Violent Times of Lorenzo de' Medici
Magnifico: The Brilliant Life and Violent Times of Lorenzo de' Medici
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 06/03/2012)
"Magnifico" is the sixth and most interesting book I've read this summer on Florence and the Renaissiance. The author's writing style is flowing and an easy read. However, more than any of the other books I've read on this topic, this one captured the essence of the times. It is fascinating that some of the most brilliant artists in the Western World flurished during such a chaotic social and political period. Although scholars disagree on the importance of Lorenzo in encouraging such artists as Michelangelo and Donatello, this book emphasizes the sheer personal power and intellect of a man who managed to hold together a family empire while fostering all forms of art, writing, and philosophical investigation in the midst of political uncertainty.
You don't have to be a scholar to enjoy this book. It paints an entertaining, colorful picture of a great man in turbulent times who made his mark forever in history. Definitely worth your time.
Sandro Botticelli, one of the many great artists under the patronage of Lorenzo de Medici
Latest News on Lorenzo de Medici
Lorenzo de Medici and Sando Botticelli
Botticelli's artworks sponsored by Lorenzo. Italian soundtrack.
The Power of the Medici
"The Medici created and destroyed me."
-- Leonardo da Vinci, Notebooks
How about a thumbs up?
This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.
Explore related pages
- Spotlight on Florence, Italy (Firenze, Italia) Spotlight on Florence, Italy (Firenze, Italia)
- Italian Bucket List Italian Bucket List
- Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa
- The Colosseum in Rome The Colosseum in Rome
- michelangelo drawings , Renaissance at it's best michelangelo drawings , Renaissance at it's best
- Sandro Botticelli - The birth of Venus - famous renaissance paintings Sandro Botticelli - The birth of Venus - famous renaissance paintings
