Step 1 Brunelleschi Old Sacristy 1418–21 San Lorenzo The Nav

Step 1 Brunelleschioldsacristy 1418 21 San Lorenzo The Nave Of S

Step 1 – Brunelleschi, Old Sacristy, , San Lorenzo & the Nave of San Lorenzo, c. & Benozzo Gozzoli, Procession of the Magi , c. 1459, fresco, Palazzo Medici-Riccardi Chapel

Step 2 – The Medici family ruled Florence. The restored & commissioned art & architecture. The 3 images below are from 2 separate Medici commissions. What makes this unique is that the church is down the street from their palace.

How did the Medici Family show their wealth & power through their commissions? What was their message to the Florentines or their wealthy friends that visited their chapel? If you need some help, review the Instructor PDF that refers to San Marco.

Step 3 – In order to get full credit, answer the question & then respond to a minimum of 3 other student postings with comments (see Guidelines for Art Talk and Ground Rules in your Syllabus ). Be sure to complete this Section before it closes.

Step 4 – Remember, the Discussions are separated into 3 Sections and close Weekly - on Sunday at 11:59 PM. The closing day will always be the same during the semester. This means that if Sunday is a holiday, please plan accordingly to complete the Discussion. The Discussions are open for 1 week and no extra time is allowed.

Step 5 – Once a Discussion has closed, I will read & graded them - this may take a few days. Once graded, I will send an Announcement with the answers and a summation of what I read from your postings and comments. You will be able to see your grades in the Grades link after I have read/graded the Discussion.

Paper For Above instruction

The Medici family's influence on Florence during the Renaissance was profoundly expressed through their art and architectural commissions, which served as symbols of their wealth, power, and political authority. Their patronage not only reflected their personal affluence but also conveyed a message of divine right and civic pride to both the Florentines and visiting elites. These artistic endeavors, especially in prominent locations like San Lorenzo and Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, strategically positioned the Medici as both spiritual leaders and political magnates.

The Old Sacristy by Filippo Brunelleschi, constructed around 1418-1428, exemplifies Medici patronage aimed at showcasing their piety and civic importance. This sacristy was part of a larger plan to associate the Medici family with religious devotion as well as their political stature. Brunelleschi’s design emphasized symmetry, harmony, and a sense of order rooted in classical architecture, which subtly asserted the Medici’s grandeur and enlightened governance. The use of clear geometric forms and pilasters echoed the rational ideals of the Renaissance, tying the family to the rebirth of classical learning and humanism.

Similarly, the decoration of San Lorenzo, with its context within the Medici complex, reinforced their status. The church’s design integrates Renaissance principles of space and light, creating an environment that elevates the Medici’s spiritual and political identity. Their patronage established a visual language that connected their political ambitions with divine authority, positioning the family as benefactors favored by God and aligned with the moral order.

Benozzo Gozzoli’s fresco, The Procession of the Magi, painted around 1459 for the Palazzo Medici-Riccardi Chapel, further elaborates on the Medici’s display of wealth and power. This elaborate depiction of the Magi’s procession is rich in symbolism, featuring portraits of Medici family members among the magi. The inclusion of contemporary Florentine figures, along with exotic animals and lavish costumes, served to elevate the family’s status to that of wise and wealthy patrons, connecting their political authority with religious legitimacy. The fresco’s grandeur and iconography act as a visual manifesto of Medici dominance, bridging divine favor with worldly power.

Through these commissions, the Medici explicitly demonstrated their wealth with luxurious materials, intricate art, and monumental architecture, which served as enduring symbols of their influence. Their message was one of divine right, civic pride, and political unity—emphasizing their role as both spiritual benefactors and political leaders. The proximity of significant religious sites and their homes underscored their desire to be seen as the custodians of Florence’s religious and civic life, anchoring their authority within both the spiritual and temporal realms of Renaissance Florence.

In conclusion, the Medici used art and architecture not merely as expressions of wealth but as strategic tools to communicate their power, legitimacy, and civic responsibility. Their commissions fostered a visual culture that reinforced their status and motivated public perception, ultimately securing their legacy as patrons of the Renaissance and rulers of Florence.

References

- Burke, P. (1990). The European Renaissance: Centres and Peripheries. Blackwell Publishing.

- Mathews, T. (2006). The Medici: Power, Money, and Ambition in the Italian Renaissance. Random House.

- Paoletti, J., & Radke, G. M. (2002). Art in Renaissance Italy. Laurence King Publishing.

- Kelly, D. (2010). The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance. Charles Scribner's Sons.

- Hartt, F. (2003). History of Italian Renaissance Art. Pearson Education.

- Zell, M. (1995). Florentine Renaissance Sculpture. Thames & Hudson.

- Nichols, T. (2002). The Age of the Medici. Yale University Press.

- Gombrich, E. H. (1995). The Story of Art. Phaidon Press.

- Hart, K. (2018). Florentine Palace and Church Architecture. Cambridge University Press.

- Elkins, J., & Krauss, R. (1994). The Condition of Postmodernity. Routledge.