For hundreds of years, the name Medici was practically a synonym for art in Renaissance Italy. The Medicis were not artists themselves, but their patronage enabled the arts to flourish as never before. As powerful and wealthy as the Medici family was, though, they could not maintain continuous control over their city. When the great Lorenzo de Medici died in 1492, his son Piero II became head of the family. Unfortunately, when Charles VIII of France invaded Italy in 1494, Piero failed to defend Florence. Disgusted and humiliated, the people of Florence forced the once-powerful Medicis into exile. The family would not return to the city until 1512.
During the absence of the Medicis, Florence operated as a republic under a civic government. Times were difficult, and patronage was hard to find. Yet artists still had a role to play. In 1505, city leaders developed a plan to bolster civic pride. They commissioned two artists--both considered geniuses--to decorate the Council Chambers. Each of these two men brought unique gifts and insights to the project, but they were bitter rivals. The results of their battle can still be seen on the walls in Florence today.
During the absence of the Medicis, Florence operated as a republic under a civic government. Times were difficult, and patronage was hard to find. Yet artists still had a role to play. In 1505, city leaders developed a plan to bolster civic pride. They commissioned two artists--both considered geniuses--to decorate the Council Chambers. Each of these two men brought unique gifts and insights to the project, but they were bitter rivals. The results of their battle can still be seen on the walls in Florence today.
Click each question to learn more.
Question
How were da Vinci and Michelangelo different?
Da Vinci was a sophisticated man who seemed to work effortlessly. Michelangelo was temperamental and difficult to work with.
Question
What did da Vinci’s part of the Council Chambers show?
He depicted a battle scene that focused on muscular violence, with men slashing each other with swords in a heroic, if realistic, way.
Question
What did Michelangelo’s part of the Council Chambers show?
He also showed a battle, but the focus was on the fear and panic of the people involved, most of whom were civilian bystanders.
Question
Who are the two rival artists who decorated the wall of the Council Chamber in Florence? Can you name another work of art by each? (Review the earlier pages if necessary.)
The two artists were Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. Other works by da Vinci include The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa. Works by Michelangelo include the Pieta and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
