Monarchy and Sacral Politics in Duke Cosimo I de' Medici's Florence: Tatti Studies in the Italian Renaissance

The reign of Duke Cosimo I de' Medici (1537-1574) marked a watershed moment in the history of Florence. Cosimo transformed the city from a republic into a duchy, and he used his power to promote a new vision of politics that was centered on the monarchy. This vision was grounded in the idea of sacral politics, which held that the monarch was a sacred figure who ruled by divine right.

The Medicean Succession: Monarchy and Sacral Politics in Duke Cosimo dei Medici’s Florence (I Tatti studies in Italian Renaissance history Book 14)

by Gregory Murry

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1755 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	360 pages

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Cosimo's vision of sacral politics was expressed in a variety of ways, including through the construction of new buildings, the patronage of the arts, and the promotion of religious festivals. These projects all served to reinforce the idea that the Medici were the rightful rulers of Florence, and that their rule was sanctioned by God.

The Construction of New Buildings

One of the most visible expressions of Cosimo's sacral politics was the construction of new buildings. These buildings included the Palazzo Pitti, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Vasari Corridor. These buildings were all designed to glorify the Medici family and to reinforce the idea that they were the rightful rulers of Florence.

The Palazzo Pitti was built as a residence for Cosimo and his family. It is one of the largest and most impressive palaces in Florence, and it is a testament to the power and wealth of the Medici family. The Uffizi Gallery was built to house the Medici's collection of art. It is one of the most famous museums in the world, and it is home to some of the most important works of art in the Western world. The Vasari Corridor was built to connect the Palazzo Pitti to the Uffizi Gallery. It is a long, covered walkway that passes through the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio. The corridor was designed to allow the Medici family to move between the two palaces without having to go outside.

The Patronage of the Arts

Cosimo was a generous patron of the arts. He commissioned works from some of the most famous artists of the Renaissance, including Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael. These works of art helped to glorify the Medici family and to reinforce the idea that they were the rightful rulers of Florence.

Michelangelo's David is one of the most famous sculptures in the world. It was commissioned by Cosimo and is now on display in the Palazzo Vecchio. The sculpture depicts David, the biblical hero who defeated Goliath. It is a symbol of the power and strength of the Medici family.

Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in the world. It was commissioned by Cosimo and is now on display in the Louvre Museum in Paris. The painting depicts Lisa del Giocondo, a young woman from Florence. It is a masterpiece of the Renaissance and is considered one of the greatest paintings ever created.

Raphael's School of Athens is one of the most famous frescoes in the world. It was commissioned by Cosimo and is now on display in the Vatican City. The fresco depicts a group of philosophers and scientists gathered together in a room. It is a celebration of human reason and knowledge, and it is a symbol of the Medici's commitment to learning and culture.

The Promotion of Religious Festivals

Cosimo also promoted religious festivals in order to reinforce the idea that he was the rightful ruler of Florence. These festivals included the Feast of San Giovanni, the Feast of San Lorenzo, and the Feast of Corpus Domini. These festivals were all celebrated with great pomp and circumstance, and they helped to create a sense of unity and community among the people of Florence.

The Feast of San Giovanni was the most important festival in Florence. It was celebrated on June 24th, the feast day of Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of Florence. The festival included a parade, a jousting tournament, and a fireworks display. It was a time for the people of Florence to come together and celebrate their city.

The Feast of San Lorenzo was also an important festival in Florence. It was celebrated on August 10th, the feast day of Saint Laurence, the patron saint of the Medici family. The festival included a procession, a Mass, and a fireworks display. It was a time for the Medici family to show their devotion to their patron saint and to reinforce their claim to rule Florence.

The Feast of Corpus Domini was a religious festival that was celebrated throughout Europe. It was celebrated on the Thursday after Pentecost, and it commemorated the institution of the Eucharist. The festival included a procession, a Mass, and a feast. It was a time for the people of Florence to come together and celebrate the Eucharist and to reinforce their faith in the Catholic Church.

Cosimo I de' Medici's vision of sacral politics was a powerful force in Florence. It helped to legitimize his rule and to create a sense of unity and community among the people of Florence. Cosimo's vision was expressed in a variety of ways, including through the construction of new buildings, the patronage of the arts, and the promotion of religious festivals. These projects all helped to reinforce the idea that the Medici were the rightful rulers of Florence, and that their rule was sanctioned by God.

The Medicean Succession: Monarchy and Sacral Politics in Duke Cosimo dei Medici’s Florence (I Tatti studies in Italian Renaissance history Book 14)

by Gregory Murry

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1755 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	360 pages

FREE