In The Footsteps of the Medici

The history of the Medici family is deeply tied to the city of Florence where they lived and worked. The family started out as prosperous merchants, then became successful bankers, and eventually worked their way into the government of the Lords, becoming one of Florence's most powerful and prominent families. In the 15th century they became dukes, and lastly Grand Dukes of Tuscany until the mid 18th century, reigning for almost three hundred years. The family claimed two popes and two French queens.

Lorenzo the Magnificent was a highly educated man whose entourage had some of the most well -known philosophers and scholars of the day. Thanks to his astute political sense, Lorenzo succeeded in playing an important role in the complicated state of events of fifteenth century Italy. Lorenzo was a great patron of the arts, and really helped spread the fame of the genius of the Florentine Renaissance artists. A keen talent scout, Lorenzo gave Michelangelo a place to study and work - giving the genius the potential to create and develop his art.