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New in the Royal Collection

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Since my parents are moving from a house to an apartment, I received some lovely pieces from them for my royal collection of Belgium. These are two special editions of Belgian stamps issued in 1990. In 1990, the Koninklijke Landsbond der Belgische Postzegelkringen celebrated its centenary. In that context, these stamps were created. The roses depicted on them were taken from the work of Pierre-Joseph Redouté, 60 Roses for a Queen, which belongs to the Royal Library Albert I in Brussels . The stamps also feature Queen Louise-Marie, the first Queen of the Belgians. She was the second wife of King Leopold I, from their marriage on August 9, 1832, until her death in 1850. Louise-Marie was the second child and eldest daughter of the French King Louis-Philippe I and his wife, Maria Amalia of the Two Sicilies. Although she rarely participated in public representation, she played a significant role as the political adviser to her husband. Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759–1840) was a renowned flower...
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Cosimo I de' Medici, the 1st. Grand Duke of Tuscany

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Cosimo I de’ Medici – The Grand Duke Who Shaped Tuscany The Medici family is one of the most famous dynasties in European history, known for their immense wealth, political power, and patronage of the arts. Among them, Cosimo I de’ Medici (1519–1574) stands out as a ruler who transformed Tuscany, expanded de' Medici influence, and laid the foundation for Florence as a true Renaissance powerhouse. own picture of  the portrait of Cosimo I de' Medici @ the Uffizi Early Life & Rise to Power Born on 12 June 1519 in Florence, Cosimo was the son of Giovanni delle Bande Nere, a famous condottiero (mercenary captain), and Maria Salviati, who was connected to the main de' Medici line. Unlike his predecessors, Cosimo was not initially destined to rule—his family branch was considered minor compared to the ruling de' Medici. However, fate intervened. In 1537, after the assassination of Duke Alessandro de’ Medici, the de' Medici-controlled government needed a new leader. The...
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Location: Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
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Why the Uffizi in Florence is a true Royal destination?

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Nestled along the banks of the Arno River in Florence, the Uffizi Gallery is one of the most renowned art museums in the world. While it is famous for housing masterpieces by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci, the Uffizi also has a rich royal history that reflects the grandeur of the de' Medici family and their influence on the Renaissance era. Origins of the Uffizi: A de' Medici Masterpiece The Uffizi Gallery was originally conceived not as an art museum but as an administrative and judiciary building. Commissioned in 1560 by Cosimo I de’ Medici, the first Grand Duke of Tuscany, the structure was designed by Giorgio Vasari, the renowned architect and artist. The name "Uffizi," meaning "offices," reflects its original purpose as a space for Florentine magistrates and bureaucrats. Cosimo I de’ Medici, a powerful ruler and patron of the arts, played a pivotal role in transforming Florence into a Renaissance hub. His vision extended beyond governa...
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Location: Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy
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