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Lorenzo de’ Medici’s influence extended beyond his lifetime. His contributions to politics, diplomacy, and the arts transformed Florence into a centre of Renaissance culture.
In today’s article, we take a look into his life as we explore more about him as well as his cause of death.
Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Biography
Lorenzo di Piero de’ Medici, more commonly known as Lorenzo the Magnificent, was an influential figure in the Italian Renaissance.
Lorenzo was born in Florence, Italy, on January 1, 1449, to Piero di Cosimo de’ Medici, a notable art patron, and Lucrezia Tornabuoni, a poet and member of the Medici Academy.
Lorenzo showed considerable promise and was well-educated from a young age. Among those who taught him were ambassador Gentile de’ Becchi and scholar Marsilio Ficino.
He also learned Greek under John Argyropoulos’ tutelage. Lorenzo’s schooling was broad and diverse, allowing him to thrive in a variety of subjects.
Lorenzo liked hobbies as a child such as jousting, hawking, hunting, and horse breeding.
He earned first prize in a jousting competition sponsored by the Medici family in 1469 when he was only twenty years old. Luigi Pulci immortalised the episode in a poem, while Niccol Machiavelli praised his win, attributing it to Lorenzo’s own talent and valour.
Piero, Lorenzo’s father, saw his son’s promise and sent him on a number of important diplomatic missions, including travels to Rome to meet with the Pope and other significant persons. These experiences enabled Lorenzo to have a thorough understanding of politics and diplomacy.
Despite his numerous accomplishments, Lorenzo was considered to have an ordinary appearance. He had a large physique, short legs, dark hair, dark eyes, and a flattened nose.
Despite his unremarkable appearance, Lorenzo always commanded respect due to his strong sense of dignity and intelligence.
Lorenzo was deeply involved in the banking operations of the Medici family and played an important role in the Republic of Florence.
He became the de facto king and wielded considerable power inside the Italic League, an alliance that helped to stabilise the political situation on the Italian peninsula for several decades.
Lorenzo’s reign, however, was not without its difficulties. In 1478, he became the target of the Pazzi plot, which sought to destabilise the Medici family.
Despite the killing of his younger brother, Giuliano, as a result of the conspiracy, Lorenzo was able to maintain his authority and influence in Florence.
One of Lorenzo’s most notable accomplishments was as a patron of the arts. He supported many well-known artists, including Botticelli and Michelangelo, who thrived under his patronage.
His patronage of intellectuals, painters, and poets had a significant impact on the cultural developments of the Italian Renaissance.
Lorenzo de’ Medici died on April 8, 1492, in the family Villa of Careggi. During his deathbed moments, he was visited by Girolamo Savonarola, a Dominican priest who was bitterly hostile to the Medici family.
According to witnesses, Lorenzo died calmly after listening to the Gospel of the day, contrary to rumours that Savonarola cursed him on his deathbed.
He is known today as one of the most influential and zealous supporters of the Italian Renaissance. Lorenzo’s legacy lives on in the beautiful works of art and architecture that define Florence, ensuring his legacy for future generations.
Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Cause Of Death
Lorenzo de’ Medici’s cause of death is reported to have been due to a natural cause as he passed away after listening to the Gospel of the day.
