Who was Giovanni di Bicci de'Medici?
As we are with the royal destination blogposts in Florence with the de' Medicis, we can't go on,
without some family history.
The founder of the de Medici bank and thus the one who laid the fa'mily's wealth and influence
in Florence was: Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici.
Who was Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici?
Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici was born in Florence, Italy. He was the son of Averardo de' Medici and Jacopa Spini. His father, Averardo died in 1363 with a respectable amount of wealth. This inheritance was divided among Giovanni and his four brothers, leaving Giovanni with very little.
However, his uncle, Vieri de' Medici, was still a prominent banker in Florence. Vieri helped Giovanni begin his career in the Florentine banking system. He worked his way up through the ranks,
eventually becoming a junior partner in the branch located in Rome.
eventually becoming a junior partner in the branch located in Rome.
Vieri de' Medici retired in 1393 leaving the bank in the hands of Giovanni. From this point the Medici bank grew vastly and quickly. His imperium went far, even till London and Bruges!
Giovanni owned two wool workshops in Florence, and was a member of two guilds:
the Arte della Lana and the Arte del Cambio.
the Arte della Lana and the Arte del Cambio.
Art
Giovanni also funded the construction of the sacristy in the Church of San Lorenzo in the year 1418.
He picked Brunelleschi to be the architect and chose Donatello to create the sculptures. These are just a few of the many contributions that Giovanni made to the art world.
de' Medici coat of arms in Florence
own picture
Love and Marriage
Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici married well. His wife was the wealthy Piccarda Bueri, together they had 4 sons!
* Cosimo di Giovanni de' Medici (1389–1464).
Pater Patriae and Lord of Florence, grandfather of
Lorenzo the Magnificent.
Pater Patriae and Lord of Florence, grandfather of
Lorenzo the Magnificent.
* Damiano di Giovanni de' Medici (d.1390).
Most probably Cosimo's twin, died young.
Most probably Cosimo's twin, died young.
* Lorenzo di Giovanni de' Medici (1395–1440).
Progenitor of the "Popolare" branch of the family,
the Grand Ducal line will descend from him.
the Grand Ducal line will descend from him.
* Antonio di Giovanni de' Medici (born c. 1398). Died young
Some members became even Popes, Grand Dukes, Princes and Queens!
Politics
However, he had no great interest in politics and only used his position when it suited his business interests.
Death
Giovanni di Bicci de'Medici died on 20 February 1429 at the age of 69. He died of natural causes in 1429, likely from old age or an unspecified illness.
There is no historical evidence or suggestion of foul play related to his death.
Giovanni's passing marked the beginning of a significant era for the Medici family, as his sons,
Cosimo de' Medici (known as Cosimo the Elder) and Lorenzo, carried on his financial and political legacy, eventually making the Medici one of the most powerful families in Florence.
Cosimo de' Medici (known as Cosimo the Elder) and Lorenzo, carried on his financial and political legacy, eventually making the Medici one of the most powerful families in Florence.
Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici was buried in the Old Sacristy of the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence.
Inside the Sacristy San Lorenzo church in Firenze
In one of my next blogposts about Florence, I'll tell more about the wonderful Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence.
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