Treasures of Florence

More about the book

This book reunites the exquisite jewellery and ornaments from the Medici collection spanning the 15th to 18th centuries, showcasing objects currently housed in various Florentine museums. It presents the Medici family's captivating history through chapters dedicated to major patrons, detailing the objects, their creators, and the motivations behind their commissions. The vivid color photography captures the opulent beauty of this remarkable collection. Initially bankers and merchants, the Medicis emerged as champions of Florence's workers and artisans in the late 14th century. By the early 15th century, they established nearly 300 years of influential leadership in the city. Cosimo, the first ruling Medici, was honored posthumously as Pater Patriae, while his grandson Lorenzo, known as the Magnificent, supported renowned artists like Botticelli, da Vinci, and Michelangelo. The collection emphasizes jewellery, gems, cameos, and exotic objects, including antique vases crafted using the pietra-dura technique, enhanced with gold, silver, or enamel borders. Many pieces were amassed by Lorenzo il Magnifico. The book features a diverse array of works, from Benvenuto Cellini to Baroque art, and includes exotic items from Asia, Mexico, and India. The final chapter highlights the exquisite jewels of Elector Anna Maria Ludovica, the last ruler of the Medici dynasty.