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♦ The Inextricably Interwoven History and Story of a City and a Family ♦

♦ About the Museum of the Medici Chapels and the San Lorenzo Complex ♦

While this post is only about the Medici Chapels (Cappelle Medicee), Chapel of the Princes (Cappella dei Principi) and some of the treasures (reliquaries), the museums are part of the San Lorenzo Complex which also includes the Basilica San Lorenzo, the Cloister, and the Medici Laurentian Library.

The history and significance of this Complex is the saga of the Medici Family and their enduring legacy in Florence,Tuscany and, in fact, all of Italy spanning over 500 years.

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♦ A Little Background About the Medici Chapels (Cappelle Medicee) ♦

The Medici Chapels were built in the 17th century as a mausoleum for members of the Medici family. Today it is a state museum in Florence that includes the New Sacristy dating from the 16th century.

The Chapels became a state museum in 1869 but their history – deeply intertwined with that of the church of San Lorenzo, to which they are connected – goes back much further. In fact it goes back to the 14th century with the first Medici, Giovanni, to amass a fortune.

Entrance to the Cappelle Medicee, the Medici Chapels, with the signature Medici Coat of Arms

I wouldn’t even attempt to summarize the Medici family, a family that became a dynasty and wielded power and influence for centuries. Nor could I possibly capture the fascinating tapestry of politics, vacillating loyalties and influence, staggering wealth, and unprecedented cultural and artistic patronage …not to mention the ambition, jealousies, and bitter rivalries.

That the Renaissance was ushered in and fostered under their rule is undisputed and, of course, today millions of us can still enjoy and appreciate their extensive priceless collections.

Fascinating, compelling, and intriguing, the cast of characters, the stories, the legend, and, for me, above all, the monumental collection of art and treasures…it is truly a tremendous gift and legacy.

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♦ The Chapel of the Princes (Cappella dei Principi) ♦
“…A symbol of their power, destined to outlast the death of each.”

In order to ensure their place in posterity, when they became the reigning family of Florence and Tuscany, they wanted a lasting monument…a building that would last “through eternity…a visible sign of the glory and longevity of their dynasty.”

The Medici Coat of Arms is on full display…

Doubtless, as you step inside The Chapel of the Princes, one sees that this vision became a reality.

The resplendent altar is covered with semi-precious stone “intarsia” (inlay) panels.

 

The decoration of the chapel of the Medici family was commissioned in 1568 by Cosimo I although construction didn’t really begin until 1602 under Ferdinando I and continued until the 18th century when the last of the Medici was buried there. (Some of the niches above the tombs are empty since the statues were never completed.)

 

(Also buried here are members of the family with title of Grand Dukes of Tuscany. including Fernando II, Cosimo II, Fernando I, Cosimo I, Francisco I, Cosimo III, and their respective wives.)

The walls of this grandiose mausoleum are covered with the most precious and indestructible materials including: marble, multicolored granite, jasper, alabaster, lapis lazuli, and even coral and mother-of-pearl! No expense was spared!

The Coats of arms of the 16 most important Tuscan cities (at the time)  border the lower wall. Here are those of Florence, Arezzo, Grosseto and Pistoia.

Work was extremely slow and costly almost draining the coffers of the Grand Duchy with their extravagance.

→ Before we move on…here’s a little “in the round” video I took of the Chapel of the Princes: Chapel of Princes video ←

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♦ Michelangelo’s New Sacristy (Sacrestia Nuova) ♦

Pope Leo X de’Medici initiated the Medici family funeral chapel (the New Sacristy) in order to honor his father, Lorenzo il Magnifico and his uncle, Guiliano well as his brother Giuliano, duke of Nemours, and his nephew Lorenzo, duke of Urbino with create majestic funeral memorials.

It would, however, be another Medici Pope, Clement VII, who would make it a reality. In 1520 he entrusted the works to Michelangelo who spent almost fourteen years on the project.

Michelangelo suspended working in 1534, when he had to leave to work on the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Hence, the works were eventually completed by Giorgio Vasari and Bartolomeo Ammanati.

We are reminded that it is a sacred space, a mortuary chapel where the Medici princes now rest in peace…

♦ The Sepulcher of Lorenzo il Magnifico and Giuliano ♦

The powerful and moving central figure/sculpture by Michelangelo is Madonna and Child (Madonna Medici). On the sides of the Virgin are the patron saint protectors of the Medici family: Saint Cosimo to the right (by Montorsoli, 1537) and Saint Damian to left (Raffaello da Montelupo, 1531).

 

The original monument to Lorenzo and Guiliano was never completed by Michelangelo.

Saint Cosmas on the left and Saint Damian on the right

Ironically it is not the most illustrious Medici that are immortalized in Michelangelo’s powerful sculptures…but two lesser known Medici who both perished in their prime…

♦ Tomb of Giuliano, duke of Nemours, Michelangelo ♦
Day and Night

This tomb features sculptures of Guiliano and figures representing Day and Night.  This Guiliano was the third son of Lorenzo the Magnificent (Il Magnifico) and brother of Leo X. He is dressed as a military leader and represented as a man of action representing “the active life”.

Guiliano, duke of Nemours with the figures of Night (right) and Day (left)…

 

Michelangelo’s figures of Day and Night grace the sepulcher as a representations and symbols of the passage of time.

♦ Tomb of Lorenzo, duke of Urbino, Michelangelo ♦
Dawn and Dusk

This tomb features sculptures of Lorenzo and figures representing Dawn and Dusk.
This Lorenzo was the father of Alessandro II, first duke of Florence. He is represented in a more pensive and reflective state as “a man of thought”.

Lorenzo, duke of Urbino with the figures of Dusk (left) and Dawn (right)

 

Michelangelo’s figures of Dawn and Dusk grace the sepulcher as a representations and symbols of the inexorable transience and passage of time.

There is much more that could be and has been said about the symbolism of these spectacular and compelling sculptures but I will leave it here with my photos and my profound appreciation and admiration for their  timeless beauty…

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♦ Reliquaries ♦

A reliquary is a container for relics. These relics may be the actual or supposed physical remains of saints…

 It could be fragments of bones, hair, pieces of clothing, or some object associated with saints or other religious figures.

Look very closely and you may see what relic is encased in each  of these exquisite reliquaries…

The Treasury of the Basilica of San Lorenzo‘s reliquaries and liturgical objects are “recognized as examples of the goldsmiths of the Renaissance and Baroque.” They were fashioned from gold and silver, rock crystal and semi-precious stones in Florence as well as in German and Flemish workshops.

 

Today the reliquaries are on beautifully displayed in the main entrance. Look closely at the detail and how the relic is presented.

Still another of the many priceless collections of the Medici family we can admire today, they also reflect the deeply religious and devout faith of the Medici.

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♦ Grazie, Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici ♦

Following the death of her brother (last Grand Duke of Tuscany) and as the last heir to the Medici dynasty that would die with her, the Princess determined and stipulated that “the last, majestic fruit of the Medici’s efforts as magnates” collected for over three centuries be protected and remain in Tuscany.

Anna Maria Louisa’s bronze statue, cast from the original by Alfonso Boninsegni, 2004, gazes at her simple tomb…

Thanks to her foresight and act of generosity, millions of us have and continue to enjoy and be enriched by their extraordinary collections. And, although, even today the Medici name and its legacy remain controversial, I can’t help but think that that would please them!

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♦ Due to COVID restrictions, not all of the Complex is accessible at this time. For more information and reservations:
https://www.florence-museum.com/medici-chapels
https://www.operamedicealaurenziana.org/en/the-complex/the-medici-chapels/

♦ Resources:
The Museum of the Medici Chapels and San Lorenzo, Official Guide
The Medici: Story of a European Dynasty, Franco Cesati

♦ How can you learn more about the Medici Family?
There is a wealth of books (fiction and non-fiction) available, to name a (very) few:
The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance, Paul Strathern
(also a terrific PBS series)
The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall, Christopher Hibbert

♦ I also highly recommend Art Historian Elaine Ruffalo’s outstanding virtual encounters including an excellent 3-part series about the Medici family (https://www.elaineruffolo.com/recordings)

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More Museums! Yes, I  ♥ Museums!

→ Please CLICK HERE for more about “off the beaten track” and well-known museums!

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Wouldn’t you love to visit this exquisite museum and so many of the other sites of Florence…Tuscany…Italy???

Of course you would! And when you are able and ready, we are HERE for you!

Si, ready to help YOU plan your fabulous trip to Italia!

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