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On-Line/Live Event
FREE WEBINAR | “The Top 10 Medici” with Dr. Rocky Ruggiero
July 28, 2026
1 hour
NAPLES, FLORIDA – RENAISSANCE ACADEMY 2027
“The Medici: First Family of the Renaissance”
IN-PERSON ART HISTORY ACADEMY
with Dr. Rocky Ruggiero
Date: February 12, 2027
Group Size: Maximum 25
NAPLES, FLORIDA – RENAISSANCE ACADEMY 2027
“The Medici: First Family of the Renaissance”
Date: February 12, 2027
Time: 11:00am – 3:30pm
Location: BICE Ristorante, 300 5th Avenue, Naples, FL 34102
Cost: $575.00
Includes: All in-person lectures with Dr. Rocky, and group lunch at BICE Ristorante
Program Description:
From rather modest medieval origins, the Medici became financiers to Europe’s ruling elite in the Renaissance. Using their enormous wealth and influence, two Medici men became popes at the beginning of the 16th century. These popes would exploit the power of their office and transform the Medici into monarchs of Tuscany. In both official and unofficial capacities, the Medici would rule Florence and eventually Tuscany for nearly three centuries, making it one of history’s longest lasting dynasties.
This one-day academy will examine the meteoric rise to power and artistic legacy of the “First Family of the Italian Renaissance”. We shall also explore how the art and architecture of the Italian Renaissance became the visual geopolitical language of the Medici, which was clearly one of power, and how artists such as Donatello, Brunelleschi, Botticelli, and Michelangelo all developed under and enjoyed Medici largesse.
Schedule:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2027:
– Session 1 – 11am-12:30pm – “Princes All but in Name”
For most of the 15th century, the Medici were the de facto rulers of Florence. Beginning with the patriarch of the family – Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici – who established the Medici bank in 1397, to his son Cosimo “the Elder”, who has been described as history’s greatest political boss, to Lorenzo “il Magnifico” de’ Medici, who not only created a Camelot-like atmosphere in Florence, but also used his wealth and influence to secure a cardinalship for this 13-year-old-son, the Medici were veritable “princes all but in name.” While they were not the official rulers of the Republic of Florence, it was clear to all that Florence and its surrounding territory were in the hands of the Medici. The Medici were not only great patrons of the arts, but also major geopolitical players at the dawn of the modern world.
– Lunch break – 12:30-2pm (Group lunch at BICE)
– Session 2 – 2:00-3:30pm – “From Popes to Princes”
The nearly successive reigns of Pope Leo X (Giovanni de’ Medici) and Pope Clement VII (Giulio de’ Medici) from 1513 to 1534 resulted in enormous changes to the religious and political landscape of Europe. From the Protestant Reformation of 1517 to the Sack of Rome in 1527, the Medici popes left a legacy of disaster behind them; however they did succeed in cementing a role for their family in the future. In 1534, Alessandro de’ Medici, “nephew” of Pope Clement VII, was made duke of Florence. In 1555, his successor, Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici, took nearly all of Tuscany under his control. Fourteen years later Cosimo was elevated to the rank of Grand Duke – one step below “King” – of Tuscany. And while Cosimo’s tenure was marked by an ambitious building program in Florence – the enlarged royal residence of the Pitti Palace, the Uffizi, the Boboli Gardens, and the Villa at Castello – the reign of his six successors was marked by a general decline in the importance of the region. The only exceptions were Grand Duke Cosimo II’s protection of Galileo in the last decade of the scientist’s life, and Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici’s “Family Pact” dictating that all Medici art and treasures remain in Florence forever.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
Payment in full is required at the time of registration and all sales are final. No refunds are offered on events, nor is payment transferrable to other events, on-line products and/or travel programs. We reserve the right to reschedule or cancel a class or event due to unforeseen circumstances, inclement weather, or otherwise. In the event of an event cancellation, we will contact you directly at the phone number or email address you have provided to offer a full refund or credit to transfer to a future event. Late Arrivals and No Shows will not be eligible for a refund.
