Michelozzo, Palazzo Medici, 1444-84 Flashcards
Who commissioned the Palazzo Medici and why?
Cosimo de’ Medici, to serve as a private residence, business headquarters (bank), and as a subtle but powerful political statement reflecting Medici influence in Florence.
Why was Michelozzo chosen as architect instead of Brunelleschi?
Brunelleschi’s design was too grand; Cosimo wanted a more modest exterior to avoid jealousy and political enemies after his 1433 exile. Michelozzo could work in the Renaissance style but was more adaptable.
What is the overall form and structure of the Palazzo Medici?
A massive cube with a central open courtyard, designed for functionality, beauty, and nobility.
What is the significance of the rustication on the exterior?
Heavy rustication on ground floor suggests strength, protection, and wealth.
Rustication smooths on higher storeys, symbolising refinement.
Reflects traditional Florentine palazzo design — cautious modernism.
How is the Palazzo Medici divided horizontally?
Three floors divided by strong stringcourses.
First floor = Piano Nobile (main living spaces).
Each floor appears lighter and shorter, creating an optical illusion of height.
Describe the materials used in Palazzo Medici.
Constructed entirely from local pietra forte sandstone — strong, durable, and visually linked to key Florentine buildings like Palazzo della Signoria.
How does the palace engage with the street and public life?
Stone benches along facades allowed citizens to rest (civic generosity).
Ground-floor shops and open street corner (until blocked in 16th century) showed Medici integration with daily Florentine life.
What classical influences are present on the exterior?
References to Roman arches (in windows and entrance), but no full classical orders.
Cornice and rustication have Roman precedents but adapted to look distinctly Florentine.
What symbolic connections does the Palazzo Medici make to Florentine politics?
Resemblance to Palazzo della Signoria via rustication and mullioned windows links Medici to political authority.
Medici coat of arms prominently displayed — especially where visible from the Duomo (linking political and religious dominance).
What are key features of the Palazzo Medici courtyard?
Classical elegance compared to fortress-like exterior.
Broad colonnade of pietra serena columns with Composite capitals.
Entablature and frieze decorated with monochrome graffito festoons (by Maso di Bartolomeo).
Medici arms and mythological reliefs in stone medallions.
Site for Donatello’s David sculpture — showcasing cultural sophistication.
What building techniques set the Palazzo Medici apart?
Unusual full rebuilding from the foundations up (rather than merging old properties).
Use of finely dressed ashlar masonry on upper floors (smooth surfaces, minimal joints).
What was the political context at the time of construction?
After 1433 exile, Cosimo’s political caution led to a design avoiding extravagance.
In 1434 he returned to Florence, leading from behind the scenes through wealth and influence.
What were the primary functions of the Palazzo Medici?
Residence for the Medici family (Piano Nobile).
Headquarters for the Medici bank (ground floor).
Public symbol of Medici influence and civic generosity.
How does the location of the Palazzo Medici reflect its political role?
Positioned on Florence’s main north-south axis.
Stressed the Medici family’s central role in city life and governance.
How did the palace balance tradition and innovation?
Exterior looked traditional, reflecting stability and Florentine identity.
Interior courtyard showed refined classical Renaissance style, demonstrating cultural leadership.
How does the Palazzo Medici reflect Renaissance ideals?
Emphasises rationality and order (tripartite division, stringcourses).
Balance of function and beauty (courtyard vs. fortress exterior).
Civic engagement (benches and shops at street level).
What is the significance of the changing surface texture up the façade?
Heavy to smooth rustication visually communicates a journey from strength (ground level) to refinement (upper levels).
Creates a visual lightness and illusion of upward movement — Renaissance interest in harmony and optics.
How did the design of the Palazzo Medici serve to protect Cosimo politically?
Avoided extravagant display to reduce envy.
Fortress-like ground floor for security.
Integration with the city (benches, shops) to promote goodwill.
What artistic technique is used in the courtyard frieze decoration?
Graffito — scratching into a surface to reveal a different layer beneath. Used for festoons and decorative patterns.
How is power subtly asserted through the Palazzo Medici’s decorations?
Medici coat of arms placed above windows and visible from the Duomo.
Mythological references in courtyard medallions link Medici to antique greatness and cultural authority.
Why is the courtyard considered innovative for its time?
Full classical vocabulary (arches, Composite capitals) used more elegantly than on the exterior.
Early example of unified classical courtyard space in private architecture.
What is ashlar masonry and how is it used here?
Ashlar = finely cut stone blocks with minimal visible joints.
Used on upper floors of Palazzo Medici to express refinement and wealth.
How did the Palazzo Medici influence later Renaissance architecture?
Became the prototype for future Renaissance palaces (e.g., Palazzo Rucellai, Palazzo Strozzi).
Set the standard for combining fortress-like strength with classical elegance.
What message did Cosimo de’ Medici want the palace to communicate?
Stability, tradition, and modesty in public image.
Strength, wealth, and dynastic power subtly expressed through materials and classical allusions.
