A portion of Catherine de’ Medici’s youth was spent in the household of Filippo Strozzi and his wife. There, she learned how to present herself to the social world that would later surround her. […]
When Francesco de’ Medici passed away, it must have come as a surprise to his brother to become the Grand Duke of Tuscany the very same day. Especially, since he had focused on the ‘spiritual world’. […]
Cosimo de’ Medici’s eldest son, Francesco, inherited his powerful political position. He had received a humanistic education and was especially enthusiastic about alchemical arts. […]
With his tendency toward authoritarianism, Cosimo Medici was direct, cunning and quick. And he set about solidifying his rule in Florence. He drove Florence away from a French alliance and establishing it as somewhat independent from the empire. […]
Alessandro’s assassination, not only prompted the government to cover it up, but the Medici supporting nobles also scurried to find a successor. […]
Dante was antithetical to the Cult of Brutus. He condemned political traitors as much as Judas, making no distinction. The Florentine republicans saw him as a Medici supporter and the Cult of Brutus viewed him as pro-empire and an antirepublican. […]
Michelangelo’s placement of the Virgin Mary in the ‘Last Judgment’ gave rise to a lot of speculations regarding his Christian leanings. Placed below Jesus Christ, it was deduced that she was of secondary significance. […]
When the Prince of Orange attacked Florence, he was impressed with the common Florentines who made every effort to win the war. Their determination was truly commendable. […]
Francesco Carducci was a shrewd politician. His views and principles both were flexible, leaving him free to side with almost anyone. […]
Niccolò Capponi tried hard to rekindle his old friendship with Pope Clement VII in order to avert war. However, caught between the pope and the Emperor Charles V, there was no easy way out for Florence. […]
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