Lorenzo De' Medici, the Magnificent (vol. 1 of 2)

CHAPTER I.. The House and Family of the Medici. Development

THE HOUSE AND FAMILY OF THE MEDICI. DEVELOPMENT OF THE FLORENTINE DEMOCRACY. PAGE

The House of Medici—Original Dwelling-places—The first Appearance of the Medici—Commencement of the Florentine Community—The Community and the Imperial Power—Ghibellines and Guelfs—Consuls and Podestà—Government by a Citizen Guard—Captain of the People—Flourishing State of the Town in the Thirteenth Century—Party Factions in the Last Days of the Hohenstaufen—Decisive Victory over the Guelfs after King Manfred’s Death—Internal Condition—Foreign Viceroys—Growth of the Class of Citizens after the Middle of the Thirteenth Century—Beginnings of the Guild System—The Seven Great Societies—Government and Magistracy of the Priors—Democratic Reform of Giano della Bella—Limitation of the Citizens’ Share in the Government—The Ordinances of Justice against the Nobility—The Signory, or Upper Governing Department, and the Councillors—Exercise of the Municipal Franchise—Parliament—Vain Endeavours for Equality of Power among the Public Authorities 3

CHAPTER II.. The Fourteenth Century. Rule of the Albizzi. Giovanni and

THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY. RULE OF THE ALBIZZI. GIOVANNI AND AVERARDO DE’ MEDICI.

Origin and Arms of the Medici—Public Affairs in the First Half of the Fourteenth Century—Mistakes at Home and Misfortunes Abroad—The Duke of Athens—Party Politics—Guelf Magistracy—Expulsion of the Proscribed (Ammoniti)—Salvestro de’ Medici—Rebellion of the Lower Classes (Tumulto de’ Ciompi)—Averardo de’ Medici, called Bicci—Great Authority of the Albizzi Family and their Friends—Giovanni de’ Medici, son of Averardo—Florence under the Rule of the Albizzi—Campaign against the Visconti—Plunder of Pisa—The State of Finance in Florence—Wealth and Activity of John de’ Medici—Florence and Filippo Maria Visconti—Internal Condition during the War against Milan—Rinaldo degli Albizzi—Position of the great with regard to the smaller Citizens—Public Troubles—The Estimo and Loans—Increase and Inequality of the Taxes—The Cadaster, its Framework, Operations, and Product Position of Giovanni de’ Medici with regard to the Cadaster—Death of Giovanni de’ Medici—Opinions about him 20

CHAPTER III.. The City of Florence to the Beginning of the Fifteenth Century.

THE CITY OF FLORENCE TO THE BEGINNING OF THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY.

Situation and Origin of Florence—Roman Times and the Early Part of the Middle Ages—Florence before and in the Time of Dante—Architecture in the Thirteenth Century—Towers—Rubacon Bridge—Churches—Sta. Maria Novella and Sta. Croce—Enlargement of the Town and Third Wall—Arnolfo di Cambio, called di Lapo—St. Maria del Fiore and Palace of the Signoria—Churches, Hospitals, Castles in the Province—Building of Palaces and Houses—Style of the Churches—Tuscan Gothic—Cimabue and Giotto—Giotto and the Cathedral—Belfry of the Cathedral—Taddeo Gaddi—The Hall of Or San Michele—Enlargement of the Palace of the Podestà—Architecture of the Middle of the Fourteenth Century—Religious Institutions—St. Anne’s Chapel in Or San Michele—New Church-building—Society of Artists—Hall of the Signory (Loggia de Lanzi)—Family Residences—Sculpture—Andrea Pisano and his School—Painting—Andrea di Cione, called Arcagna—Hospitals and Monuments—Filippo Brunelleschi—Church of Sta. Maria del Fiore—The Foundling Hospital (Innocenti)—San Lorenzo—Sto. Spirito—Other Works of Brunelleschi—Dwelling Houses—Streets and Pavements—Sculpture of the Fifteenth Century—Ghiberti and Donatello—Painting—Fra Angelico of Fiesole and Masaccio—General Appearance of the Town—The Environs—Fortified Villas and Monasteries 38

CHAPTER IV.. Industry, Commerce and Life.

INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND LIFE.

The great Guilds and their Position—Guild of Woollen-weavers (Arte della Lana)—Guild of Cloth Merchants (Catimala)—Guild of Silk-weavers (Arte della Seta)—Guild of Money-changers (Cambia)—Tuscan Money-changers Abroad—Positions of Money-changers in France and England—Bankruptcy of the large Banks—Financial Distress at Home—Revival of Commerce in the Beginning of the Fifteenth Century—Customs of the Money Exchange—General Feeling of the Citizen Class—Regulations for the Beautifying and Security of the Town—Character of the Populace—Habits and Customs in the Fourteenth Century—Popular and Church Festivals—St. John’s Day—Merry-making and Pastimes of the People—The Florentines in the Beginning of the Fifteenth Century 67

CHAPTER V.. The Albizzi and Cosimo De’ Medici.

THE ALBIZZI AND COSIMO DE’ MEDICI.

Cosimo de’ Medici in his Youth—Countess of Bardi and her Family—The Medici and Pope John XXIII.—Death of John XXIII. in Florence—Public Acts of Cosimo de’ Medici—The Position of Cosimo towards the Party of Albizzi—The Albizzi in the Fourteenth Century—Piero degli Albizzi and the Magistracy of the Guelf Party—The Tumult of the Ciompi, Exile of the Albizzi—Authority of Maso degli Albizzi—Rinaldo degli Albizzi—Niccolo da Uzzano—Palla Strozzi and his Family—Flourishing Condition of the Town and Commonwealth—War against Lucca—Relation of Rinaldo to Cosimo de’ Medici—Proceedings of the Oligarchy against Cosimo—Cosimo’s Capture—Cosimo’s Banishment—Unsettled State of Things—Rinaldo’s Appeal to Arms—Cosimo is called back, and returns—Exile of the Albizzi—Cosimo’s Gonfaloniership—Review of the Albizzi Rule—Florentine Order and its Formation—The Subjection of the smaller Communes—Conditions of this Subjection—Statutes—Acquisition of Pistoja, Volterra, Prato, and Arezzo—The Accomandigia 86

CHAPTER VI.. Supremacy of Cosimo De’ Medici to the Reform of Lucca Pitti.

SUPREMACY OF COSIMO DE’ MEDICI TO THE REFORM OF LUCCA PITTI.

Pope Eugene in Florence—Political Positions on Cosimo’s return Home—Antecedents of the Medici Party—Lucca Pitti—Neri Capponi—The Acciaiuoli—Agnolo and Donate Acciaiuoli—Diotisalvi Neroni—The Giugni and other Friends of the Medici, the Pandolfini, Salviati, Guicciardini—Cosimo’s Party-management—Restriction of free Voting by the Practice of Nominating to the Magistracy—Abrogation of the Law against the Nobles—Relations towards his Opponents—Palla Strozzi—Troubled Lot of Rinaldo degli Albizzi and his Family—Cosimo’s Attitude towards his own Party—Neri Capponi—Baldaccio d’Anghiari—Disunion in the Dominant Party—Termination of Extra-legal Authority—Re-introduction of the Selection of Magistrates by Vote—The Formation of the Cadaster—Progressive Scale—Taxation in the Hands of the Medici—Revision of the Cadaster in 1458—Discontent of powerful Burghers of the Medici Party—Luca Pitti, Gonfalonier—Change in the Government—New Commission for the Choice of Magistrates and for Taxation—Weakening of Cosimo’s Authority—Violence of his Adherents 114

CHAPTER VII.. Foreign Affairs. Peace and War. Council of Union.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS. PEACE AND WAR. COUNCIL OF UNION.

War with Milan and Naples—Filippo Maria Visconti and Alfonso of Naples—End of the Visconti—Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan—Relations of Sforza with Florence and Cosimo de’ Medici—Alliance of Venice and Naples against Florence—War in the Valley of Chiana and in the Maremma—Peace of Lodi—The Sack of Constantinople—Triumph of the House of Aragon in Naples—Pope Eugene IV.—Contest of the Holy See with the Council of Basle—Council of Union at Florence—Reunion of the Churches of the East and West—Sojourn of Pope Eugenius IV. in Florence—Consecration of the Cathedral and of the Church of Sta. Croce—The Eugenius College—Political Complications—René of Anjou in Florence—Return of the Pope to Rome—Pope Pius II. in Florence—Death of Archbishop St. Antonine—Charlotte of Lusignan in Florence 139

CHAPTER VIII.. Last Days of Cosimo De Medici.

LAST DAYS OF COSIMO DE MEDICI.

Cosimo in Advanced Age—Death of his Brother Lorenzo—His sons Piero and Giovanni—Piero’s Marriage to Lucrezia Tornabuoni—Death of Giovanni—Piero’s Children—Cosimo’s Manner of Life—Cosimo’s Disposition and Character—Cosimo in Outward Demeanour and in Business—Cosimo’s Ecclesiastical Edifices—Churches and Monasteries, Palace and Villas—Buildings and Foundations Abroad—Cosimo’s Last Days at Careggi Villa—Piero’s Letter to his Sons—Death of Cosimo—Marsilio Ficino on Cosimo—Cosimo de’ Medici the Father of his Country 153

SECOND BOOK.

PIERO DE’ MEDICI. FIRST YEARS OF LORENZO THE MAGNIFICENT.

CHAPTER I.. Piero De’ Medici, His Relations and Friends.

PIERO DE’ MEDICI, HIS RELATIONS AND FRIENDS.

Piero de’ Medici and his Family—Lucrezia Tornabuoni de’ Medici—Lorenzo de’ Medici—Lorenzo’s Education—Gentile de’ Becchi of Urbino—His Youthful Years and Dispositions—Giuliano de’ Medici—Bianca de’ Medici Pazzi—The Family of Pazzi—Andrea, Piero, Jacopo de’ Pazzi and their Relatives—Nannina de’ Medici Rucellai—The Rucellai—Giovanni and his Son Bernardo—The Soderini—Lorenzo Soderini and his Sons Niccolò and Tommaso 167

CHAPTER II.. Lorenzo’s Youth. Conspiracy of Diotisalvi Neroni and His

LORENZO’S YOUTH. CONSPIRACY OF DIOTISALVI NERONI AND HIS COMPANIONS.

Meeting of Lorenzo de’ Medici with Federigo d’Aragona, younger Son of King Ferrante of Naples—Florence in relation to the Aragonese and to Sforza—Lorenzo in Upper Italy—The Pulci—Luigi Pulci—Lorenzo in Rome—Pope Paul II.—Death of Francesco Sforza—Piero de’ Medici and the House of Sforza—Galeazzo Maria, Duke of Milan—The Medici Party after the Death of Cosimo—Piero de’ Medici and Diotisalvi Neroni—Diotisalvi’s Designs against the Medici—His connection with Niccolò Soderini and Luca Pitti—Agnolo Acciaiuoli—The Causes of Discord—Niccolò Soderini as Gonfalonier—Neglected Opportunities of Trade—Fruitless Attempt at Compensation—Conspiracy against the Medici—Lorenzo with King Ferrante in Naples—Preparations on both Sides—The Villa of Careggi—Piero’s Illness there—Lorenzo’s Presence of Mind at an Attempt on his Father’s Life—The Medici in the City—Both Factions appeal to Arms—Indecision of the Leaders—Negotiations and Defection—Luca Pitti and the Medici—Failure of the Conspiracy and Banishment of its Leaders—End of Luca Pitti 179

CHAPTER III.. Foreign Affairs. France, Venice, the Romagna. the War of

FOREIGN AFFAIRS. FRANCE, VENICE, THE ROMAGNA. THE WAR OF COLLEONE.

The Medici after the Neroni Conspiracy—King Ferrante to Lorenzo—Louis XI. of France and the Medici—The Florentine Exiles and Venice—The Relations of Venice with Florence—Bartolommeo Colleone—Colleone and the exiled Florentines—State of the Romagna—The Popes and the Dynasties—Relations of the Romagna with Venice and Florence—The Raccomandati of the Romagna—The Este Counts of Montefeltro and Urbino—The Malatesta of Rimini—The Ordelaffi of Forli—The Manfredi, Alidosi, Sforza of Pesaro—Bologna and the Bentivogli—Sante and Giovanni Bentivoglio.—Relations with Florence and the Papacy—Preparations of the Allies against Colleone—Colleone in the Romagna.—Battle at La Molinella—Galeazzo Maria Sforza and Venice—Ineffective Meeting of the Allies—Miserable Condition of the Army—Close of the War—Pope Paul II.—End of Colleone and the Florentine Exiles—Attack on Lucrezia de’ Medici 197

CHAPTER IV.. Latter Days of Piero De’ Medici. Lorenzo’s Marriage.

LATTER DAYS OF PIERO DE’ MEDICI. LORENZO’S MARRIAGE.

Battle near Rimini—Robert Malatesta—Finances of Florence—Purchase of Sarzano—Gay Life amid Financial Difficulties—Position and Life of Lorenzo de’ Medici—Lucrezia Donati—Lorenzo’s Tournament—Lorenzo’s Engagement—Clarice Orsini and her Relations—Lucrezia de’ Medici in Rome—Intelligence of Clarice Orsini—Conclusion of the Engagement, and Marriage Ceremony in Rome—Marriage Festival in Florence—Lorenzo’s Journey to Milan to the Christening of Gian Galeazzo Sforza—Death of Piero de’ Medici, and his Character—Piero’s Relation to his Party and to the Exiles—King Ferrante and Piero de’ Medici 222

CHAPTER V.. Events At Home and Abroad During the First Years of Lorenzo’s

EVENTS AT HOME AND ABROAD DURING THE FIRST YEARS OF LORENZO’S SUPREMACY.

Nature and Form of the Medici Rule—The Heads of the Medici Party after Piero’s death—Tommaso Soderini—Council in St. Antonio—Accession of the Sons of Piero de’ Medici to the Position of their Father and Grand-father—Position of Lorenzo before the Party—Appointment of the Civic Officers—The Electors—Lorenzo assumes the Direction of Affairs—Foreign Affairs—Pope Paul II. and Naples—Alliance between Florence, Naples, and Milan—General Alliance against the Osmanli—Death of Pope Paul II 244

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