A great mind

 And, of course, I'm not referring to myself.  But as one wanders the streets of this medieval and later Renaissance city, one is constantly reminded of its importance during the Renaissance.  That the Medici took control of the administration of the city and established one of its banks here might be enough.  True, the Medici presence continues in the design of the communale, the Medici coat of arms (or rather, balls) affixed to the main well, the beauty of various loggia and the evidence of wealth and influence that only a fine family (albeit nouveau riche) can bring a city.  

As you walk on the Via Poliziano, you will pass this building:

This was the birthplace and home of Angelo Poliziano, also known as Angelo Ambrogini.  Born in 1454 and educated in the Classics and Humanism, both very influential during the Renaissance, he rose to notable status as a translator of classic Greek works and a brilliant scholar of philosophy.  It was his knowledge of the humanist principles from the works of Leon Battista Alberti that brought him into the Medici circle.  Lorenzo de'Medici ("the Magnificent") was also mesmerized by this new philosophy that put human endeavor and potential at the forefront of education and social importance.  

Poliziano was hired as a tutor for Lorenzo's children.  And they became rather extraordinary.  One of them, Giovanni, eventually became Pope Leo X.  Here is a section from a fresco that shows Poliziano with Giuliano, Lorenzo's son who eventually is featured in a few of Botticelli's works:

Notice the fabulous Tuscan nose.  Just divine!