I've seen many palaces in my day, but the one that stands out, the one that speaks to my inner letthemeatcake persona is the Palazzo Medici Riccardi. Built between 1444-1484, under the aesthetic direction of Michelozzo de Bartolomeo for Cosimo de Medici, the palace is a wonderful example of both classical Roman and Brunelleschi-inspired Renaissance design principles. The outside of the building has a distinctive tri-partite design that makes use of Roman arches, but also has a particularly Florentine style. Michelozzo also made use of the Roman inner courtyard, which allows for privacy, fresh air and security.
Take a look:
The palazzo design is also interesting for its use of a lovely, but rather modest exterior. During Cosimo's day there were sumptuary laws in place which affected how much wealth a family could display. So the order of the day was figure out ways to literally and figuratively hide your wealth. So, from the outside, this palace is a bit 'meh.' But once you walk in..... The Glory!The family commissioned Benozzo Gozzoli to paint the inside of the family chapel. He recreated the travels of the Magi, on their way to the adoration. The brilliant/egotistic thing is that there is a secular and contemporary veil in that the Medici and their retinue are featured. Most notable is Lorenzo, the one wearing a luscious yellow brocade tunic and looking you right in the eye. The colors, the fabrics, the clothing, the jewels.... yes, life was good if you were in the right circle:
And I would, of course, insist on being in that circle. In fact, this afternoon I am reading Machiavelli's The Prince that I picked up in the bookstore and I am looking for some pointers and insight. Taking notes, darlings.Here is my bedroom:
In this room, the liberation of Florence from the Fascists.... seriously fab.
These anti-fascists had style, baby! I'm with them.
A presto!
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