Chapter I: Preface (1)

Many a book has been written about the Medici; yet how little has been said about the private lives of the founders of that wonderful family which rose from prosperous middle-class condition to take its place among the sovereign houses of Europe, to seat its daughters on the throne of the Queen-consorts of France, and its sons on the Chair of St. Peter? Their rival capitalists north of the Alps climbed high in those days when the gulf was dug deep between nobles and all who were below them in the social scale. The Fuggers made many alliances with the German and Bohemian nobles, and the Welsers had the unheard-of glory of mating one of their daughters with the Emperor of Germany; does not the Philipine-Welser Strasse in Augsburg commemorate to this day the renown of the match? But neither had the fortune to found a dynasty as did the Medici. They are so inseparably connected with the history of their native city that the biographies have insensibly become sketches of Florentine, even of European history. The men and women have disappeared, and we see instead the dexterous manipulators of tortuous Italian diplomacy, or the splendid patrons of art and literature during the best period of the Renaissance. Yet, in our day, we sometimes like to turn aside from the stage life to learn about the _vie intime_ of personages who have become historical. We are curious about their doings within the home circle, about their private loves and hates, whether they were good or bad husbands and wives, parents and children. The simpler human interests attract us.

This book attempts to supply such details. It is founded on letters, for the most part private, of Medici men, women, and children, and their friends, written during those decades when the family was being moulded for the great European destiny which lay hidden in the future before it. In these old-world epistles Contessina artlessly displays her household economies, Lucrezia reveals her fondness for bathing, Clarice quarrels with no less a tutor than the celebrated Poliziano about the lessons he gave to her children, and the child Piero tells his father how he has studied hard, even writing in Latin, “in order to give a more literary tone to my letters,” and proudly and persistently demands the pony promised as a reward for diligence.

The materials have been gathered from many a quarter. Angelo Fabroni’s ponderous tomes, _Magni Cosmi Medicei Vita_ and _Laurentii Medicis Magnifici Vita_; the Histories of Florence by Giovanni Cavalcanti, Giovanni Cambi, and Niccolὸ Machiavelli; rare pamphlets, published in small editions of twenty-five or a hundred copies, by Italian men of letters in honour of the marriage of some friend, which are a mine of wealth; and last, but not least, the Florentine Archives. Most of the letters from the _Archivio Medicei ante Principato_ have never been published before, much less translated; others are given here in full, which have hitherto seen the light only in very fragmentary form. The volume can therefore claim to contain a great deal of thoroughly original matter. In them it will be seen that well-born or important men and women were addressed as Your Magnificence, and written to and spoken of as The Magnificent. It was, therefore, no special title bestowed on Lorenzo de’ Medici, but suiting so well with his character and whole personality it has become, as it were, his property.

My best thanks are due to Cavaliere Angelo Bruschi, librarian of the Marucelliana Library in Florence, without whose valid assistance and advice I should have had great difficulty in collecting the letters; to Dr. Dorini of the Florentine Archives, whose aid was invaluable in helping me to decipher the almost illegible manuscripts; and to Signor Gugliemo Volpi, several of whose pamphlets and articles are quoted. I must also thank the Baroness Mollinary of Como for so kindly having photographed for me her most interesting early portrait of Lorenzo the Magnificent, never before published; and Dr. Giovanni Poggi, director of the Bargello in Florence, for giving me the photograph of Lorenzo’s portrait at Poggio a Caiano. The Baroness Mollinary’s picture is one of the many that belonged to her ancestor Paolo Giovio, and bears a strong resemblance to the fine miniature of Lorenzo, the property of M. Prosper Villon, reproduced in _Le Musée de Portraits de Paul Jove_ by M. Eugène Muntz, in which, however, Lorenzo looks rather older. Both show the same humorous, kindly face, with a strong mouth, determined jaw, and fine eyes. In the miniature the head and shoulders are against and under a baldaquin, on each side of which is a small bit of landscape. Below is inscribed _Laur M P P_ and the Medici arms (with six balls), surmounted by Lorenzo’s device, three ostrich feathers, white, green, and red (faith, hope, and charity), while a floating ribbon behind bears his motto _Semper_. The portrait at Poggio a Caiano is perhaps by Alessandro Allori, therefore of course not contemporary; it may be a copy of an older and lost picture. I must also express my great gratitude to the Rev. Principal Lindsay of Glasgow for kind help and criticism during the progress of my work.

The portrait of Piero de’ Medici in the chapel of the Riccardi palace, by Benozzo Gozzoli, has been given sometimes as that of his father Cosimo, or even of his son Lorenzo. But if the bust by Mino da Fiesole, in the Bargello, represents Piero, then he is the man grasping his horse’s mane with one hand as he rides by the side of his father Cosimo, who, as we know, generally rode a mule.

JANET ROSS.

CONTENTS

PAGE
INTRODUCTORY 1

COSIMO DI GIOVANNI DE’ MEDICI (1389-1464) 7

Contessina de’ Medici to her husband Cosimo in Ferrara 10

Cosimo de’ Medici to Averardo de’ Medici, Ambassador to Ferrara 11

Contessina de’ Medici to her son Giovanni at Ferrara 14

Cosimo de’ Medici to Averardo de’ Medici at Pisa 15

Cosimo de’ Medici to Averardo de’ Medici 16

Cosimo de’ Medici at Florence to Averardo de’ Medici at Pisa 18

Diary of Cosimo de’ Medici and his Oration to the Signory of Florence when sentence of exile was pronounced against him 19

Cosimo de’ Medici to his son Piero de’ Medici 31

Niccolò Fortebraccio to Cosimo de’ Medici and Neri di Gino Capponi 34

Lorenzo de’ Medici to his brother Cosimo, Ambassador to Ferrara, in the name of the “Dieci di Balia” 35

Count Francesco Sforza to Cosimo de’ Medici 36

Count Francesco Sforza to Cosimo de’ Medici 38

Count Francesco Sforza to Cosimo de’ Medici 39

Contessina de’ Medici to her son Piero 40

Commissio Laurentii de’ Medicis, 3 Decembris 1438 42

Additio facta Commissioni Laurentii de’ Medicis 43

Francesco Sforza to Cosimo de’ Medici 44

Contessina de’ Medici to her son Giovanni at the Baths of Petriolo [near Siena] 46

Alberto Averardo de’ Alberti, from Rome, to Giovanni de’ Medici 47

Contessina de’ Medici to her son Giovanni in Rome 47

The Same to the Same 48

Contessina de’ Medici to her son Piero 48

Lucrezia de’ Medici, at the Baths of Petriolo; to her husband Piero at Florence 50

Contessina de’ Medici to her son Piero at Trebbio 50

Contessina de’ Medici to her son Giovanni in Rome 51

Cosimo de’ Medici to Giovanni his son in Rome 52

Contessina de’ Medici to Giovanni her son at Volterra 53

Contessina de’ Medici to her son Giovanni at Volterra 54

The Same to the Same 55

Contessina de’ Medici to Ginevra, wife of her son Giovanni, at the Baths of Petriolo 58

Cosimo de’ Medici to his son Giovanni at Milan 59

Lucrezia de’ Medici (from Careggi or Cafaggiuolo) to her husband Piero at Florence 60

Contessina de’ Medici to her son Piero at Venice 62

Cosimo de’ Medici to his son Giovanni at the Baths of Petriolo 62

Contessina de’ Medici to her son Giovanni and his wife Ginevra at Bagno a Morba 63

Pope Pius II. to Cosimo de’ Medici 64

Cosimo de’ Medici to Pope Pius II. 65

Cosimo de’ Medici to Pius II. 66

Lucrezia de’ Medici to her husband Piero 69

Cosimo de’ Medici to his son Piero at Pisa 70

Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, &c. &c. 71

Cosimo de’ Medici to the Reverend Master Marsilio Ficino, Platonist 73

Piero de’ Medici to Lorenzo and Giuliano, his sons, at Cafaggiuolo 74

Marsilio Ficino to the noble Lorenzo de’ Medici 76

Brief Memorandum by Piero de’ Medici about his Father’s Death 77

Notes of the Funeral and of the Masses and Offices said for the Soul of Cosimo di Giovanni de’ Medici 79

PIERO DI COSIMO DE’ MEDICI (1416-1469) 82

Pope Pius II. to Piero de’ Medici 84

Louis XI., King of France, to Piero de’ Medici 85

Privilege granted by Louis XI. to the Medici to quarter the Lily of France in their arms 86

The Magnificent Lorenzo to the Illustrious Lord Federigo, son of the King of Naples 88

Piero de’ Medici to his son Lorenzo at Milan 93

Piero de’ Medici to his son Lorenzo at Milan 94

Luigi Pulci to Lorenzo de’ Medici 100

Piero de’ Medici to his son Lorenzo at Rome 102

Piero de’ Medici to his son Lorenzo at Rome 103

Agnolo Acciaiuoli to Piero de’ Medici. Siena, 17th Sept. 1466 105

Piero de’ Medici to Agnolo Acciaiuoli. Florence, 22nd Sept. 1466 105

Luigi Pulci, from Pisa, to Lorenzo de’ Medici at Florence 107

Lucrezia de’ Medici to her husband Piero 108

Lucrezia de’ Medici to her husband Piero 109

Lucrezia de’ Medici to her husband Piero 110

Lucrezia de’ Medici to her husband Piero 111

Lorenzo de’ Medici to his mother Lucrezia at Bagno a Morba 115

Piero de’ Medici to his wife Lucrezia at Morba 115

Lorenzo de’ Medici to his mother Lucrezia at Bagno a Morba 116

Contessina de’ Medici to her daughter-in-law Lucrezia at Bagno a Morba 117

Piero de’ Medici to his wife Lucrezia at Bagno a Morba 117

Luigi Pulci from Pisa to Lorenzo de’ Medici at Florence 118

Luigi Pulci at Pisa to Lorenzo de’ Medici 119

Cardinal Latino Orsini to Piero de’ Medici 120

Filippo de’ Medici, Archbishop of Pisa, at Rome, to Piero de’ Medici 120

Francesco Tornabuoni to his nephew Lorenzo de’ Medici 122

Clarice Orsini to Lorenzo de’ Medici 123

Francesco Tornabuoni to Lorenzo de’ Medici, his nephew 123

Clarice Orsini to Lorenzo de’ Medici 125

Rinaldo Orsini to Lorenzo de’ Medici 126

Maddalena Orsini to Lorenzo de’ Medici 127

Filippo de’ Medici, Archbishop of Pisa, to Lorenzo de’ Medici 127

An Account of the Wedding of Lorenzo de’ Medici 129

Rinaldo Orsini to his sister Clarice de’ Medici 134

Giovanni di Bentivogli from Bologna to Piero de’ Medici at Florence 135

Piero de’ Medici at Careggi to Lucrezia his wife in Florence 137

Gentile Becchi to Clarice de’ Medici 138

Lorenzo de’ Medici to his wife Clarice 140

Lorenzo de’ Medici from Monza to his father Piero in Florence 141

LORENZO DI PIERO DE’ MEDICI (1450-1492) 143

Ricordi of Lorenzo the Magnificent, son of Piero di

Cosimo de’ Medici 150

Agnolo Poliziano to Lorenzo de’ Medici 156

A. Alexander di Conio to Contessina de’ Medici 158

Luigi Pulci to Lorenzo de’ Medici at Florence 159

Clarice de’ Medici to her husband Lorenzo 161

Luigi Pulci to Lorenzo de’ Medici 162

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Sixtus IV. 163

Ingherami di Volterra, Apostolic Scribe, to Lorenzo de’ Medici 165

Francesco Filelfo to Lorenzo de’ Medici 166

Jacopo Ammanati, Cardinal of Pavia, to Lorenzo de’ Medici 167

Jacopo Ammanati, Cardinal of Pavia, to Lorenzo de’ Medici 168

The Syndic and Ancients of Galatea to Lucrezia de’ Medici 171

Fra Cristofano d’Antonio di Mast ... to Lucrezia de’ Medici 172

Matteo Franco to Lorenzo de’ Medici 173

Giuliano de’ Medici from Pisa to his mother Lucrezia 174

Bertoldo di Giovanni to Lorenzo de’ Medici 175

Niccolò Roberti to Duke Borso d’Este 176

Agnolo Poliziano at Pisa to Clarice de’ Medici 177

Agnolo Poliziano to Clarice de’ Medici 178

Clarice de’ Medici to her husband Lorenzo at Florence 178

Lucrezia de’ Medici, from Bagno a Morba, to her son Lorenzo 179

Lucrezia de’ Medici, from Bagno a Morba, to her son Lorenzo at Pisa 179

Lucrezia de’ Medici to her grandmother Lucrezia at Bagno a Morba 180

Agnolo Poliziano to Lucrezia de’ Medici at Bagno a Morba 181

Lucrezia de’ Medici, from Bagno a Morba, to her son Lorenzo 182

Lucrezia de’ Medici to her son Lorenzo, from Bagno a Morba 183

Piero Malegonnelle (Vicar of Pomerance) to Lucrezia de’ Medici 184

Piero Malegonnelle (Vicar of Pomerance) to Lucrezia de’ Medici 184

Louis XI., King of France, to the Florentine Republic 192

Louis XI. to Pope Sixtus IV. 193

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Tommaso Soderini at Milan 194

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Giovanni Lanfredini, Florentine Ambassador at Venice 196

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Louis XI., King of France 198

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Sforza de’ Bettini 199

Messer Ceccho, from Milan, to Lorenzo de’ Medici 201

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Messer Giovanni di Bentivoglio at Milan 202

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Girolamo Morelli, Florentine Ambassador at Milan 203

Sixtus IV. to the Duke Federigo of Urbino 205

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Girolamo Morelli, Florentine Ambassador at Milan 207

Agnolo Poliziano at Pistoja to Lorenzo de’ Medici in Florence 208

Agnolo Poliziano at Pistoja to Lorenzo de’ Medici 209

Agnolo Poliziano at Pistoja to Lorenzo de’ Medici 210

Agnolo Poliziano at Pistoja to Lorenzo de’ Medici at Florence 211

Agnolo Poliziano at Pistoja to Lorenzo de’ Medici 212

Piero de’ Medici (born 1472) to his father Lorenzo 212

Clarice de’ Medici to Lucrezia 213

Agnolo Poliziano to Lucrezia de’ Medici 213

Lorenzo de’ Medici to the King of Spain 215

Agnolo Poliziano, from Cafaggiuolo, to Lorenzo de’ Medici at Florence 216

Piero de’ Medici to his father Lorenzo 216

Agnolo Poliziano to Lorenzo de’ Medici 217

Piero de’ Medici at Cafaggiuolo to his father Lorenzo 217

Clarice de’ Medici to her husband Lorenzo 218

Lorenzo de’ Medici to his mother Lucrezia in Florence 219

Piero de’ Medici at Cafaggiuolo to his father Lorenzo 219

Piero de’ Medici at Cafaggiuolo to his father Lorenzo 220

Piero de’ Medici at Gagliano to his father Lorenzo 221

Antonio Pucci to Lorenzo de’ Medici at Cafaggiuolo 221

Lucrezia de’ Medici (daughter of Lorenzo) to her grandmother Lucrezia 222

Nannina Rucellai to her mother Lucrezia de’ Medici 222

Bianca de’ Pazzi to her mother Lucrezia de’ Medici at Careggi 223

Agnolo Poliziano to Lucrezia de’ Medici at Careggi 224

Guidantonio Vespucci, _Legatus in Epistolis_ at Paris, to the Ten of the Balìa in Florence 226

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Girolamo Morelli, Florentine Ambassador at Milan 227

To the Signoria of Florence, from Lorenzo de’ Medici 229

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Antonio Montecatino, Ambassador to Florence of the Duke of Ferrara 230

Bartolommeo Scala, Secretary of the Florentine Republic, to Lorenzo de’ Medici at Naples 231

Bartolommeo Scala, Secretary to the Florentine Republic, to Lorenzo de’ Medici at Naples 233

Bartolommeo Scala, Secretary of the Florentine Republic, to Lorenzo de’ Medici at Naples 234

Doctor Oliverio, from Bagno a Morba, to Lucrezia de’ Medici 235

Ippolita Maria d’Aragona, Duchess of Calabria, to Lorenzo de’ Medici 236

Papinio di Artimino to Lucrezia de’ Medici 237

Papinio di Artimino, from Rome, to Lucrezia de’ Medici 238

Lorenzo de’ Medici to the Doge of Venice 239

To Albino, dear to me as a brother, Secretary of the Illustrious Duke of Calabria, from Lorenzo de’ Medici 240

From Bartolommeo Sgnippi, Clerk of the Embassy, to Antonio Montecatino, Ambassador of the Duke of Ferrara (who had gone to Ferrara for a few days) to the Florentine Republic 241

Lorenzo de’ Medici to the Duchess Eleonora d’Aragona d’Este at Ferrara 244

Lorenzo de’ Medici to the Duke Ercole d’Este 244

Frederick, Duke of Urbino, to Lorenzo de’ Medici 246

Ugolino Baccio, from Basel, to Lorenzo de’ Medici 247

Ugolino Baccio to Lorenzo de’ Medici 249

Ugolino Baccio to Lorenzo de’ Medici 252

Louis XI., King of France, to Lorenzo de’ Medici 254

Bartolommeo Scala to Lorenzo de’ Medici at Bagno a Morba 255

“In Amorpham Nympham,” Latin poem by Bartolommeo Scala, sent to Lorenzo de’ Medici at Bagno a Morba, April 25, 1484 256

Guidantonio Vespucci, Florentine Ambassador at Rome, to Lorenzo de’ Medici at Florence 258

Lorenzo de’ Medici to his son Piero in Rome, November 26, 1484 260

Niccolò Michelozzi to Lorenzo de’ Medici at Morba 265

Matteo Franco to Ser Piero Dovizi da Bibbiena, Chancellor of Lorenzo de’ Medici 267

Two of Piero’s Sayings 272

Lorenzo de’ Medici to the Duke Ercole d’Este 273

Messer Guidone Aldrovandini, Ambassador to the Republic of Florence from Ferrara, to Duke Ercole d’Este 274

Duke Ercole d’Este to Messer Aldrovandini, Ambassador of Ferrara to the Republic of Florence 276

Messer Guidone Aldrovandini, Ambassador of Ferrara to the Republic of Florence, to the Duke Ercole d’Este 277

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Ugolino Baccio in Apulia 278

Messer Guidone Aldrovandini, Ambassador from Ferrara to the Florentine Republic, to the Duke Ercole d’Este 280

Duke Ercole d’Este to Messer Aldrovandini, Ambassador of Ferrara to the Florentine Republic 282

Messer Guidone Aldrovandini, Ambassador of Ferrara to the Republic of Florence, to Duke Ercole d’Este 283

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Innocent VIII. 285

Messer Aldrovandini, Ambassador from Ferrara to the Florentine Republic, to Duke Ercole d’Este 285

Agnolo Poliziano to Lorenzo de’ Medici 288

Matteo Franco, from Stigliano, to Ser Piero Dovizi da Bibbiena, Chancellor to Lorenzo de’ Medici, at Florence 289

Messer Aldrovandini, Ambassador from Ferrara to the Florentine Republic, to the Duke Ercole d’Este 294

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Pope Innocent VIII. 296

Messer Aldrovandini, Ambassador to the Republic of Florence, to the Duke Ercole d’Este 297

Messer Aldrovandini, Ambassador of Ferrara to the Republic of Florence, to Duke Ercole d’Este 298

Stefano, a trusted servant of Piero de’ Medici, to Lorenzo de’ Medici 299

Petrus Bonus Avogarius, Doctor, to Lorenzo de’ Medici 301

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Piero Alamanni, Florentine Ambassador at Rome 303

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Innocent VIII. 304

Manfredo di Manfredi (a new Ferrarese Ambassador) to Duke Ercole d’Este 305

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Pope Innocent VIII. 306

A Manager of the Medici Bank to the Duke Ercole d’Este 309

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Giovanni Lanfredini, Florentine Ambassador at Rome 310

Lorenzo de’ Medici, from the Baths of Spedaletto, to his daughter Contessina 310

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Giovanni Lanfredini, Florentine Ambassador at Rome 311

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Monseigneur d’Argenton (Philippe de Comines) 312

Pietro Vettori, Florentine Ambassador at Naples, to Lorenzo de’ Medici 314

Lorenzo de’ Medici, from Bagno San Filippo, to his son Piero 316

Lorenzo de’ Medici to the Commissaries of Pistoja 317

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Ser Andrea at Siena 317

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Giovanni Lanfredini, Florentine Ambassador at Rome 318

Lorenzo de’ Medici to Giovanni Lanfredini, Florentine Ambassador at Rome 319

Lorenzo de’ Medici to the King of England 322

Agnolo Poliziano to Lorenzo de’ Medici in Florence 323

Pier Filippo Pandolfini, Florentine Ambassador at Rome, to Lorenzo de’ Medici 325

Piero Leoni of Spoleto to Lorenzo de’ Medici 326

Matteo Franco at Rome to Ser Piero Dovizi at Florence 327

Manfredo di Manfredi, Ambassador from Ferrara to Florence, to the Duke Ercole d’Este 330

Lorenzo de’ Medici to his son, Cardinal Giovanni, at Rome, in March 1492 332

Cardinal Giovanni de’ Medici to his father Lorenzo 336

Poliziano’s letter to Jacopo Antiquario describing the death of Lorenzo de’ Medici 336

Bartolommeo Dei to his uncle Benedetto Dei, with Machiavelli in Ferrara 341

INDEX 345

ILLUSTRATIONS

Lorenzo di Piero de’ Medici _Frontispiece_ _From a picture at Poggio a Caiano_

Cosimo di Giovanni de’ Medici _To face page_ 7 _From the marble relief by Andrea Del Verrocchio (?) in the Kaiser Friedrich Museum, Berlin_

Letter from Cosimo di Giovanni de’ Medici 10

Cosimo di Giovanni de’ Medici 31 _By Jacopo da Pontormo. In the Convent of S. Marco, Florence_

Letter from Contessina de’ Medici 46

Letter from Lucrezia de’ Medici 50

Piero di Cosimo de’ Medici 82 _Detail from the fresco by Benozzo Gozzoli in the Chapel of Palazzo Riccardi, Florence_

Letter from Piero di Cosimo de’ Medici 94

Lorenzo di Piero de’ Medici 143 _In the Museo Giovio (Villa Soave, Como)_

Letter from Lorenzo di Piero de’ Medici 206

Piero di Lorenzo de’ Medici 212 _Detail from the fresco by Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Church of S. Trinità, Florence_

Lorenzo di Piero de’ Medici, and three members of the Sasseti family 312 _In the fresco by Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Church of S. Trinità, Florence_

LETTERS OF THE EARLY MEDICI

INTRODUCTORY

The ancestors given to the Medici are many, and their origin is not easy to trace amid the conflicting accounts of friends and foes. The latter declare they sprang from the very dregs of the people, and that a charcoal-burner in the Mugello was their progenitor, whose son was a doctor (_medico_). Their friends say they descend from Perseus, from a Roman consul, or even from an emperor. Others state that a brave knight, Averardo de’ Medici, came into Italy with Charlemagne and killed the fierce giant Mugello, who for years had kept Tuscany in bondage; while those who cling to the _medico_ story, on account of the name, tell of a learned physician who saved the life of Charlemagne by applying cupping-glasses of his own invention. The well-known arms, six red balls on a field or, are accounted for in as many different ways. Doctors’ pills, cupping-glasses, apples from the gardens of the Hesperides, dents made by the giant’s mace on Averardo’s golden shield, and heads of enemies slain in battle by a valiant knight who killed eleven of his assailants, because the oldest shield of the Medici bore eleven balls.

According to genealogists the real progenitor of the Medici was a certain Giambuono. He appears to have been a priest, as is indicated in an ancient inscription on the wall of the church of the Assumption near S. Piero a Sieve in the Mugello. What is certain is that the family owned houses and towers in Florence in the twelfth century in the Piazza de’ Medici, afterwards called de’ Succhiellinai, near the church of S. Tommaso, which was in the Ghetto, now swept away. There a little inn, Del Porco, used to be pointed out as standing where once was the loggia of the family.

We have historical proof of the brothers Chiarissimo and Bonagiunta de’ Medici, descendants of Giambuono. Chiarissimo was a member of the council which made an alliance with the Sienese against Semifonte in the Val d’Elsa, when that strong castle was razed to the ground in 1201. Ardingo, a great-grandson of Bonagiunta, was the first of the family to hold high office in Florence. He became Prior of the city in 1291, Gonfalonier of Justice in 1296, and again in the following year. This proves decisively that the Medici were not of the old nobility, which had been excluded from all magisterial offices by a law passed in 1293, called the _Ordinamenti della Giustizia_, which Bonaini terms the Magna Charta of the Republic of Florence.[1] Ardingo’s brother Guccio, who was Gonfalonier in 1299, made himself so popular that when he died he was buried with great pomp in a sarcophagus of the fourth century, which stood outside the baptistery. Later it was removed into the cathedral, and in the eighteenth century was placed in the courtyard of Palazzo Riccardi (once Medici), where it still is. The cover, bearing the Medici arms and those of the Arte della Lana, or Guild of Wool, to which Guccio belonged, was made by order of the Priors at the time of his burial.

In 1314 another of the family, Averardo, was Gonfalonier of Justice, and one of his grandsons, Filigno di Conte de’ Medici, has left _Ricordi_, or Memoirs, written in 1373, which show how rich and influential the Medici had already become. The book, which still exists in the Florentine archives, was evidently once bound in vellum; the frontispiece is decorated with the Medici arms, six red balls on a field or, and the shield is surmounted by the head and paws of a black wolf rising out of what looks like the coronet of a modern Marquess.

Addressing his children he writes:

“In the name of God and of his blessed Mother Madonna Saint Mary, and of the whole Court of Paradise, who will I pray give us grace to act and to speak well.

“I, Filigno di Conte de’ Medici, seeing the late misfortunes of civil and foreign wars and the terrible mortality from the plague sent by our Lord God to this earth, which we fear he may send again as our neighbours have it, will write down the things I see which may be needful for you who remain or who come after me, so that you can find them if need be for any emergency. I pray you to write well in the future and to preserve those lands and houses which you will find inscribed in this book; most of them were bought by the noble knight Messer Giovanni di Conte, my brother of honoured memory, after whose death I began to write this book, taking from his records and from those of others. I beg you will take care of it and keep it in a secret place so that it may not fall into other hands, also because it may be necessary to you in the future as it is now to us, who have to find papers of one hundred years ago, for reasons which you will find written, because States change and have no durability.

“Also I beg of you to preserve not only the riches but the position attained by our ancestors, which is considerable but ought to be higher. It begins to decline on account of a dearth of capable men, of whom we once had many.

“Such was our greatness that it used to be said, ‘Thou art like one of the Medici,’ and every man feared us; even now when a citizen does an injury to another or abuses him, they say, ‘If he did thus to a Medici what would happen?’ Our family is still powerful in the State by reason of many friends and much riches, please God preserve it all to us. And to-day, thank God, we number about fifty men.

“Since I was born about one hundred of our men have died; there are but few families and we are badly off for children, that is to say there are few. I write this book in several parts. First I shall note certain facts which are useful to know, then the dowers and as many papers as I can collect, the bills of sale and such like, then all the purchases and who drew up the deeds, and then all the houses and lands we possess....”

Page 84 is interesting as showing where the houses of the Medici stood in Florence, and also that Cafaggiuolo belonged to them in early times.

“In the name of God amen.

“Here I inscribe all our lands and their boundaries and where they are situated, and the houses in Florence, and what possessions came to us from Conte our father in the division made between the brothers (that is the late Conte, Messer Jacopo, Messer Giovenco the knight, Talento, Francesco and Chiarissimo) of the inheritance of their father Averardo, those bought by Conte and also those bought by Messer Giovanni di Conte, knight, together with myself Filigno, and Jacopo and Michele, our brothers, during their life. To-day I begin to write and to cause Michele my son also to write on account of the fatigue, and of not being a good penman. God grant we do well.--1373, in February.

“A house with shops in front in the parish of S. Tommaso in the Mercato Vecchio in Florence; the first side fronts the street or rather the Mercato Vecchio, the second boundary is ours, the third is the street wherein stands S. Tommaso, the fourth is Talento di Chiarissimo de’ Medici and ourselves. Adjoining this house are two others, three smaller ones and several shops.... Also a palace with a courtyard, an orchard and a well, in the parish of S. Lorenzo of Florence, in Via Larga di S. Marco. The confines are first the said street; secondly the sons of Tantini with a common wall between us, saving that what is above their roof belongs to us and to Baglo di Dante, with the wall of our courtyard below; the third is the inn of the Cock, now the property of Niccolò di Cristofano di Geri Gazza, &c.; the fourth is the palace of Andrea Franceschi and Francesco di Biccio de’ Medici. A house is annexed to this palace....

“In the name of God amen. Possessions in Mugello.

“The half of a palace with houses around it, a courtyard, a loggia and a wall and moat, with an orchard outside in Cafaggiuolo in the parish of S. Giovanni in Petroio, with the sixth part of the interior courtyard, and the old walls, and all other things pertaining thereto that are in the division. The broad road is to be 7 feet 8 inches wide round the old enclosure of Cafaggiuolo, so that the sons of Messer Giovenco cannot prevent us from using the road in front of the palace and by their wall, as far as the bridge. The moat round Cafaggiuolo is entirely ours as it touches our walls.”[2]

A cousin of Filigno, Salvestro de’ Medici, led the Florentine troops against Giovanni Visconti, Archbishop and Lord of Milan, and was knighted on the battlefield of Scarperia. Gonfalonier of Justice in 1370, when Florence was distracted by the rivalry of the Guelphs and Ghibellines, he, being a Ghibelline, took the side of the people against the nobles, and advocated enforcing the enactments of the _Ordinamenti della Giustizia_, which excluded the nobles from power. But for the moment he failed, and was nigh being exiled when his name was again drawn from the _borsa_, or ballot-bag, as Gonfalonier in 1378. Once more he proposed to apply the law against the Guelph nobles, and meeting with opposition, threatened to resign. One of his friends then appealed to the populace, and the result was the Ciompi riot. The mob broke into the Palazzo de’ Priori and the Palazzo del Podestà, burnt many palaces, and knighted sixty-four citizens in the Piazza della Signoria, of whom Salvestro was the first.

His popularity is shown by a sonnet addressed to him by Franco Sacchetti, author of many tales, who rather profanely calls him “non gia Salvestro, ma Salvator mundi.” Salvestro was, however, a canny burgher and made some profit out of the revolution, as the rents of the shops on the Ponte Vecchio were assigned to him. Henceforward the Medici were looked upon as the friends and defenders of the people against the _Grandi_ or nobles.

The founder of the line of citizens who ruled Florence like princes was Giovanni d’Averardo, surnamed Bicci, de’ Medici, born in 1360. He was several times a Prior, and in 1421 Gonfalonier of Justice. During the Councils of Basel and Constance he made a fortune in exchange, and being charitable was much beloved by the people. His popularity increased when, against his advice, the nobles insisted on advancing to meet the Duke of Milan instead of waiting for him to attack them in Tuscany, with the result that at Zagonara the Florentines were beaten. The expenses of the war exhausted the treasury, and disturbances broke out in Florence. The nobles, fearing a repetition of the Ciompi riots, attempted to form a government of _Ottimati_, as the party of the oligarchy were called, and thus undermine the power of the minor guilds. Some even suggested seizing the property of charitable confraternities in order to obtain money. Giovanni de’ Medici was consulted, and declared he would have nothing to do with such robbery. A few years later he successfully advocated the abolition of the odious system of forced loans, and the institution of the _catasto_, which regulated all the taxes to be paid to the Commune of Florence. He then became the idol of the people. Cavalcanti writes that when he lay dying on 20th February 1429, “he called his sons Cosimo and Lorenzo, and in the presence of their mother, Piccarda Bueri, of their wives, and of other citizens, spoke to them thus: ‘Beloved sons, neither I nor any man born into this world should feel grief at exchanging worldly cares for perpetual repose. I know that the last days of my life are nigh, and where timid or foolish women or cowardly men would feel sorrow, I feel great joy. I leave you in possession of the great wealth which my good fortune has bestowed upon me, and which your good mother and my own hard work has enabled me to preserve. I leave you with a larger business than any other merchant in the Tuscan land, and in the enjoyment of the esteem of every good citizen and of the great mass of the populace, who have ever turned to our family as to their guiding star. If you are faithful to the traditions of your ancestors, the people will be generous in giving you honours. To achieve this, be charitable to the poor, kindly and gracious to the miserable, lending yourselves with all your might to assist them in their adversity. Never strive against the will of the people, unless they advocate a baneful project. Speak not as though giving advice, but rather discuss matters with gentle and kindly reasoning. Be chary of frequenting the Palace; rather wait to be summoned, and then be obedient, and not puffed up with pride at receiving many votes. Have a care to keep the people at peace, and to increase the commerce of the city. Avoid litigation or any attempt to influence justice, for whoso impedes justice will perish by justice. I leave you clear of any stain, for no evil deed has been committed by me. Thus I bequeath glory and not infamy to you as a heritage. I depart joyfully and with more happiness if you do not enter into party strife. Be careful not to attract public attention. I commend to you Nannina my wife and your mother, see that after my death ye change not the habits and customs of her life. Pray to God for me, my sons, that my passage may be crowned by the salvation of my immortal soul. Now take my blessing. Cosimo, see that Lorenzo be kindly and a good brother; and thou, Lorenzo, honour Cosimo as the elder.’ Saying this, he passed from this life.”[3]

COSIMO DI GIOVANNI DE’ MEDICI.

_From the marble relief by Andrea Del Verrocchio (?) in the Kaiser Friedrich Museum, Berlin._]

FOOTNOTES:

[1] For an account of the _Ordinamenti della Giustizia_ see _I Primi Secoli della Storia di Firenze_, chap. viii. Pasquale Villari, Firenze, 1893.

[2] _Archivio Mediceo ante Principatum._ Registro, _Della famiglia de’ Medici_.

[3] _Istorie Fiorentine_, Giovanni Cavalcanti, i. 262. Firenze, 1838.

COSIMO DI GIOVANNI DE’ MEDICI

(1389-1464)

Of Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici’s two sons, Cosimo was by far the most remarkable. “The father,” writes Gibbon, “of a line of princes, whose name and age are almost synonymous with the restoration of learning; his credit was ennobled into fame; his riches were dedicated to the service of mankind; he corresponded at once with Cairo and London, and a cargo of Indian spices and Greek books were often imported in the same vessel.” For even when most deeply engaged in political matters, Cosimo always found time to attend to his business, and himself conducted the correspondence with the heads of the banks which were known throughout Europe and in Asia. All had orders to buy ancient manuscripts and rare books. As a lad he served in the Pisan war, and in 1414 was sent by his father in the suite of Pope John XXIII. to represent the bank at the Council of Constance. After the flight of the Pope, Cosimo left Constance in disguise and returned to Florence, where he was elected a Prior of the city in 1415, and again in 1417.

Cosimo was forty when his father died in 1429. Ammirato describes him as of middle height, with an olive complexion, and of imposing presence. Machiavelli says that he applied himself so strenuously to increase the political power of his house that “those who had rejoiced at Giovanni’s death, now regretted it, perceiving what manner of man Cosimo was. Of consummate prudence, staid yet agreeable presence, Cosimo was liberal and humane. He never worked against his party nor against the State, was prompt in giving aid to all, and his liberality gained him many partisans among the citizens. Chief amongst those who helped to consolidate his power were Averardo de’ Medici and Puccio Pucci--Averardo by his audacity, Puccio by his prudence and sagacity, augmented his popularity and greatness. The advice and the sane judgment of Puccio were so highly esteemed and so well known by all that Cosimo’s party was not called by his name but by that of Puccio.”[4]

Much of Cosimo’s influence and popularity, no doubt, arose from his generosity to men of letters. When Niccolò de’ Niccoli, “censor of the Latin tongue,” ruined himself by buying books, Cosimo opened an unlimited credit for him at his bank. After Niccoli’s death he paid his debts on the condition of being allowed to dispose of the collection of manuscripts, amounting to six hundred volumes. Four hundred he gave to the library of S. Marco, the rest he kept or distributed among friends. Cosimo also provided Tommaso Parentucelli, Bishop of Bologna, with what money he needed; a service that was well repaid when the Bishop became Pope, and made him his banker. Parentucelli catalogued de’ Niccoli’s library, and noted for Cosimo the books that were necessary to complete it. This catalogue Vespasiano declared to be indispensable to all collectors of books. When the Badia of Fiesole, certainly designed, if not actually built by Brunelleschi at Cosimo’s expense, was finished, he summoned Vespasiano, who has recorded their conversation: “One day, when I was in his room, he said to me, ‘What plan can you suggest for the formation of this library?’ I answered that to buy the books would be impossible, since they could not be purchased. ‘What, then, do you propose?’ he added. I told him they must be copied. He then asked me if I would undertake the business, and I replied that I was willing. He bade me begin at my leisure, saying that he left all to me, and he ordered that for the money needed day by day Don Arcangelo, at that time Prior of the monastery, should draw cheques upon his bank which would be honoured. After beginning the collection, since it was his will that it should be finished with all speed possible, and money was not lacking, I soon engaged forty-five copyists, and in twenty-two months provided two hundred volumes, following the admirable list furnished by Pope Nicholas V.”[5]

Cristofano Landino, Lionardo Aretino (Bruni), whose translations from the Greek were celebrated for their pure latinity, while his speeches were compared to those of Pericles, and Carlo Aretino (Marsuppini), were friends of Cosimo, and members of the Platonic Academy. They often met in the Badia, and Pico della Mirandola, on whom, says Poliziano, “nature seems to have showered all her gifts,” passed some time there in study. In the cell of Ambrogio Traversari in the convent degl’ Angeli at Fiesole, Cosimo was wont to pass his spare hours in the company of learned men. He was quick in recognising talent, and possessed the gift said to belong to royalty of suiting his conversation to his visitors. Vespasiano tells us that “when giving audience to a scholar he discoursed concerning letters; in the company of theologians he showed his acquaintance with theology, a branch of learning always studied by him with delight. So also with regard to philosophy. Astrologers found him well versed in their science, for he somewhat lent faith to astrology, and employed it on certain private occasions. Musicians in like manner perceived his mastery of music, wherein he much delighted. The same was true about sculpture and painting; both of these arts he understood completely, and showed great favour to all worthy craftsmen. In architecture he was a consummate judge, for without his opinion and advice no building was begun or carried to completion.”[6]

While spending money in a princely manner on works of art, public libraries and buildings, Cosimo lived as simply as any other citizen. Though for twenty-five years he was practically the ruler of Florence, he remained the merchant, the plain burgher, the agriculturist. His estates were in good order; he superintended the planting, and rose early to prune his vines. Gambling he detested; the only game he played, and that but rarely, was chess. Habitually taciturn, particularly in his later years, yet he could give witty and even sharp answers; as when one of his adherents, a loquacious, not very wise man, who, on being named Podestà of a foreign (_i.e._ not a Tuscan) town, asked him for advice. “Dress suitably and talk little,” was the answer. To another he said there was a weed that ought not to be watered but allowed to wither, and that weed was envy.

In Cosimo’s letters one sees how well his father’s last words, “Be careful not to attract public attention,” were obeyed by him. The pity is that even those who pass their lives poring over manuscripts in the Florentine archives find the greatest difficulty in deciphering his handwriting, and there are allusions to passing events or to people which are impossible to understand, as he uses the _gergo_, or slang, of his day, or nicknames, the meaning of which are lost to us. The date of his marriage with Contessina, daughter of Giovanni de’ Bardi, Count of Vernio, is not recorded, but her eldest son, Piero, was born in 1416. The little we know of her, chiefly from her letters, depict her as a good, rather parsimonious housewife and a tender mother. In 1427 Cosimo was at Ferrara, and she writes:

Contessina de’ Medici _to her husband_ Cosimo de’ Medici _in Ferrara_

This evening I have a letter from thee and have understood how much we are to pay for the barrels at Careggi; as soon as they arrive I will do as thou sayest. I have a letter from Antonio Martelli saying that he is sending nine bales of our linen cloth, which were at home, by now I think they must have arrived, give orders that they be put in a dry place so that the linen be not spoiled. At Careggi every one is well as usual and I am also well, may it please God that it be so in the future; one of our labourers it is true, who lives where the young partridges were, rather frightened us, but he is well again. I wrote to thee by Giovannino, so be not chary with ink and paper, so be it is not wearisome to thee. Ginevra and Pier Francesco[7] are in the Val d’Arno and Amerigo Cavalcanti is with them. They are all well as Giovannino will have told thee. Lorenzo[8] and I are here, both well. Shouldst thou want anything let me know. Above all be careful of thy health and keep a good watch on thyself. No more at present. May Christ preserve thee.--In Florence, March 4, 1427 (1428).

La Contessina who commends herself to thee.

Matteo gave me the little keys, if thou hast need of them tell me. Thy mother who put that Santelena[9] into the bag with the others thou hadst from here is much surprised that thou hast not found it, she remembers to a certainty putting it into the bag the first thing after thy departure. She wrote to-day and answered about this. Those who were in debt for their rents have paid to Piero d’Orlando according to Lorenzo’s orders.[10]

The following letter was written during the negotiations for peace with Visconti, Duke of Milan. Florence and Genoa had fared badly in the war. The former had been defeated over and over again, and the whole of the Western Riviera had been overrun by the Milanese troops. The interference of Venice had changed the state of affairs, and the Duke of Milan was desirous for peace. Averardo de’ Medici with Palla Strozzi were the ambassadors of Florence, and Cosimo discusses the difficulties attending the negotiation. The Florentines thought that Venice was too grasping, as she demanded Bergamo as well as Brescia; but the real crux of the problem was that the Duke of Milan held tenaciously to his conquests in the Riviera. Peace was finally concluded on April 28, 1428. The Cardinal di Santa Croce had been appointed by the Pope as arbiter between the parties. Part of the letter refers to Florentine internal politics, to which now we have no clue; we also see how these great Florentines mingled their private mercantile affairs with grave political matters.

Non ò tue lettere poi ti scrissi per una vostra de dì 29 currente viddi e dubj v’ erano in animo veduto le diferenze sono nella domanda et chome dite è da dubitare non tanto per le diferenze quanto perché si vede el ducha non viene schietto su questi ragionamenti, pure vorrei voi vi fossi ingiegnati sendire che diferenza è questa et maxime de fatti di Berghamo e che inporta et chosì quelle di Valchamonicha la quale a me pare picchola se altro non v’è aschosto et poi le chose sono ridotte qui non si vorebe per si picchola chosa tanto bene restasse et pero credo v’ingiegnerete a rottura non si vengha et chosì si vuole fare et vedere se di queste diferenze si potesse fare remissione nel chardinale chome de l’altre sarebe tanto magiore lo schorno se a rottura si venisse quanto per ognuno si tiene a certo pace deba seghuire fu qui jeri Franceschino da Macerata et secondo da lui ritrassi non pareva avesse nuova se di questo fatto si facesse questo dicho per tuo aviso che mi fa assai dubitare benchè jo creda pure che chostì di cò a dire chon el chardinale per suo interesso dovria farne ogni chosa posibile ✕ de fatti delli grani chome per altra ti dissi non te ne gravare troppo in confortare perchè n’aresti graveza et per ire chosì ci è chommodo Ser p. el chompare che altra volta non se ne faceva menzione e ora sta chosì forte et acordasi il chonpare e’lla chomare nonn è però che per questo si volgla laschare nulla adrieto nè qui anche si lascerebe ma stimasi sendo d’achordo de l’altre chose per questa sola non vorebe rimanesse et forse questo medesimo stima el chonpagno ora Idio ne lasci seghuire el meglio de fati de’ Bordoni che si mandi fiorini 24 per lane a le gienti di Lomb e chosì di nuovo mandi a quelli di Riviera e rimettonsi in punto tutti e chosì subito passato pasqua si manderà i resto in modo potranno scrivere e simile al marchese credo se si fosse fatto già è un mese sariano in migliore disposizione le chose non sono.

Di verso Gienova cì è la cho[sa] prospere sechondo usanza pure invero credo abino assai travaglo anno di nuovo perso uno chastello tra Gienova et Saona et chosì tutta quelle riviera di ponente è in arme et non v’è dubio se si facesse quello si potrebe quella terra se li leverebe ma meglo sarebe a non ne avere a fare prouva.

Ne piu per fretta ✕^o ti ghuardi in Firenze a dì primo d’Aprile 1428.

Chosimo.[11]

Cosimo de’ Medici to Averardo de’ Medici, _Ambassador to Ferrara_

I have not had any letter from you since I wrote. By yours of the 29th I saw the doubt in your mind seeing the difference in the demand, and as you say there is reason for suspicion, not so much on account of the differences as because it is evident the Duke [of Milan] is not straightforward in this matter, so I wish you to try and discover what the difference is, especially about these affairs at Bergamo and what they mean, and also those of Valcamonica, which seem to me of small account unless there is something concealed. As matters stand here, one would not desire to move for so small a thing, and so I trust you will do your utmost to prevent a rupture; we shall do the like, and see whether it is not possible to refer these differences to the Cardinal [di Santa Croce] like the others. The shame would be great to fall out just when every one expects peace to be made. Franceschino of Macerata was here yesterday, and from what I could gather had not heard what was to be done in this affair; this I tell you for your guidance, as it seems to me very suspicious, although I think the Cardinal for his own interest will do all that is possible. About the wheat business, as I said in my last, do not overburden yourself, else you will have trouble; as it is, it has been a convenience. Ser P., the godfather,[12] of whom there was no mention last time, is now in a strong position, and godfather and godmother are united. This is, however, no reason for neglecting to take precautions, and we shall take them; but as we are agreed about other matters, we do not wish to draw back on this point alone, and perhaps our companion thinks the same. Now let God lead us on the right path. As to the affairs of Bordoni, let 24 florins be sent for the wool to the people of Lombardy, and send again to those of the Riviera, thus setting all in order; and directly after Easter the rest shall be sent, so that the same can be written to the Marquess. I think if this had been done a month ago, things would be in a better condition than they are now.

Towards Genoa things go on as usual, although I think they are hard pressed; they have again lost a castle between Genoa and Savona, so that all the western Riviera is under arms, and there is no doubt that were we to do what we could do the province would rebel, but it is better not to put it to the proof. I write no more, as I am pressed for time. Christ guard you.--In Florence on the 1st day of April 1428.

Cosimo.[13]

The letters written by Cosimo de’ Medici to his cousin Averardo de’ Medici, in October and November of 1430 and February of 1431, relate to the costly and disastrous war waged against Lucca, and require a few explanatory sentences.

The war was proposed to the Commune of Florence by the impetuous young leader of the aristocratic party in the city, and Cosimo, who after the death of his father Giovanni was the recognised head of the democracy, supported the proposals of his opponent and rival, Rinaldo degl’ Albizzi. The war was popular. The Florentines believed that they had secured the acquiescence of the Duke of Milan and of the Pope. All things seemed to favour them (letter of February). The plan of the Florentine generals in the field was to starve Lucca into surrender by seizing on the districts of Camaiore and Pietrasanta, whence the Lucchesi drew their supplies. The “Ten of the Balìa” or Florentine war committee countermanded this prudent plan of campaign and their troops could effect nothing against Lucca. The Lucchesi were hard pressed, however, and appealed to the Duke of Milan. He permitted Francesco Sforza to take service under Lucca, and that great general soon reduced the Florentines to extremities. In their need they resolved to bribe Sforza, and on receiving 50,000 florins he abandoned the Lucchesi. The “tyrant” of Lucca, Paolo Guinigi, was overthrown; the city became a Republic, and sued for peace. But Florence resolved to prosecute the war, and engaged Count Guido Antonio di Montefeltro, Lord of Urbino, as their general. Thereupon the Lucchesi again appealed to the Duke of Milan, who permitted Niccolò Piccinino and his troops to take service under Lucca. The continual interference of the “Ten” with their generals in the field resulted in one defeat after another. In these circumstances Cosimo wrote his October letter. He recognises that the conduct of the war by Florence had been disastrous; sees, when too late (for the Milanese troops prevented it), that Lucca ought to have been starved into surrender; and declares that the only way out of their difficulties is for Florence to induce Venice to attack Milan from the north. As the “Ten” from their gross mismanagement of the war had occurred great opprobrium in the city, and as there was little prospect of matters improving without aid from Venice, the astute Cosimo advises that none of his prominent friends shall stand as candidate for election to the Balìa. The letter of December relates to a proposed embassy to Venice to urge the great Republic to attack Milan.