The Medici family dominated Florence from the 14th to the 18th century, shaping European art, science, and culture. As patrons of both the arts and sciences, they helped create a new style of architecture and introduced the concept of villa life: a novel vision of living in harmony with nature.
These villas were far more than homes. They hosted leisure and sports, scholarly pursuits, botanical experiments, and commercial ventures—as well as amorous liaisons. Each reflected and shaped contemporary ideas about politics, philosophy, art, and design, offering a window into the passions and ambitions of one of history’s most influential families.
Art historian Elaine Ruffolo explores the Medici’s public projects and private passions, showing how their ambitions were realized through the architects they employed and highlighting examples of architecture from the medieval to Mannerist periods: spaces where beauty, innovation, and power intersect.
Additional Art-full Friday Program
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