The Fortune: Giovanni di Bicci and Cosimo

Tuesday 9 September 2025 at 18:00

Medici Coat of Arms, San Lorenzo, Florence

This session explores the Medici family's rise to power in Florence,  in the late 13th and early 14th centuries—a period marked by economic upheaval and shifting political alliances. Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici was a shrewd banker whose financial acumen and quiet political maneuvering laid the foundation for one of the most influential dynasties in European history. Giovanni carefully avoided overt power whilst building wealth, forging  marriage alliances, and supporting public works that elevated the family’s reputation. His son, Cosimo de’ Medici, inherited not only a vast fortune but also his father’s political instinct. Through calculated generosity and behind-the-scenes influence, Cosimo became the de facto ruler of Florence, guiding its politics whilst always avoiding official titles. Both men understood the power of image and legacy, commissioning works from architects and artists such as  Brunelleschi, Michelozzo and Donatello,. Their patronage helped transform Florence into a powerhouse of innovation, blending financial power, civic responsibility, and cultural ambition into a new model of leadership.