| Page Views: 150 Last Visit to Florence: January, 2005 | Florence’s First Family by von.otter - last update: Nov 27, 2008 |
The Grand Duke and Me | Grand Duke Cosimo & Me December 2004 |
“Always keep out of the public eye — and never display any pride”
— Giovanni di Bicci de’Medici (1360-1429)
Florence is the city of the Medici family. From the late 14th century the Medici dominated the city’s fortunes. But their great power and influence did not come with a noble title until 1537 when Holy Roman Emperor Charles V granted the title of duke to Cosimo. Thirty-two years later His Holiness Pope Paul V turned Cosimo into the Grand Duke of Tuscany. The family had long since disregarded their ancestor’s advice.
Throughout Florence there are many reminders of the city’s first family. Their coat of arms decorates churches and palazzi, bridges and museums. And there is Giambologna’s equestrian portrait of Grand Duke Cosimo I, standing in the city’s main square, Piazza della Signoria. This 14.75-foot tall bronze was commissioned by his son, Ferdinando I, in 1587; and it was finished seven years later in 1594. This sculpture was a first for the city. Never before had a sculpture of a Florentine leader been publicly displayed showing him as a historical figure rather than than a symbolic one.
A specially outfitted studio with a foundry was given to Giambologna for the project; the horse and its rider were cast separately. The figure of Cosimo resembles the one of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius that sits astride another horse in the Campidoglio at Rome. |
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