Galileo Galilei (Pisa, 1564, Florence 1642) was the greatest Renaissance scientist in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. His activity was promoted by the Medici family and opposed by the Catholic church. Galileo Galilei discoveries were the reason why the scientist was processed and condemned. … [Read more...] about Galileo Galilei discoveries and life
History
Medici family portraits – Medici Dukes
Speaking of the history of Florence, it's impossible not to mention the Medici family, a family of bankers that later rose to become the Dukes of Florence. I wrote many posts about the Medici, and created an interactive Medici family tree, which is a great resource for who wants more information on the most important family of the Renaissance. I decided to show all the available portraits of the family members so that who is interested can actually see how the Medici looked like. I also included … [Read more...] about Medici family portraits – Medici Dukes
Florence Cathedral decoration – An unfinished job
When people get to see Florence Cathedral decoration, they are amazed by the level of detail in the green, pink and white marble covering. They're also attracted by the huge Brunelleschi's Dome, the greatest achievement of architecture in that incredible period that was the Renaissance. Only some of them notice that actually, part of the decoration is missing: it is in the tambour (the walls sustaining the dome), where only one of the eight sides has a complete decoration. Why was it left … [Read more...] about Florence Cathedral decoration – An unfinished job
House of Medici portraits – Popes and Queens
Welcome to the second post of this series. My goal is to show you all the available House of Medici portraits. Today we will concentrate on Popes and Queens, to analyze the period of time when the Medici became one of the most important families in Europe. The first Medici Pope, Leo X, was elected in 1513; his cousin became Clement VII not much after the death of Leo X, and arranged the marriage of Caterina de Medici with Henry II, future King of France. For all the first half of the 16th … [Read more...] about House of Medici portraits – Popes and Queens
Medici family portraits – Rulers of the Republic
The Medici family has been the most important family in Florence history, having ruled the town with almost no interruption for three centuries. At some point, in the early 16th century, the Medici were one of the most important families in Europe, being Dukes in Florence, Popes in Rome and Queens in France. The Medici are also known for having been the patrons of the Renaissance: their commitment with arts is one of the reasons (together with their importance) why we have countless Medici … [Read more...] about Medici family portraits – Rulers of the Republic
Lorenzo Ghiberti – Life and works
One of the greatest artists of the early Renaissance in Florence was certainly Lorenzo Ghiberti. He was a sculptor, goldsmith, architect, painter and writer on art, who worked in Florence but also in other important cities. His greatest works are the doors of the Baptistery, later renamed by Michelangelo as the gates of Paradise for their beauty. He's a typical example of an artist born in the late gothic age who witnessed the start of the Renaissance, changing his style throughout his life. … [Read more...] about Lorenzo Ghiberti – Life and works