CONTENTSOFTHE SECOND VOLUME.FOURTH BOOK—continued.Second Part.TIME OF LORENZO THE MAGNIFICENT.CHAPTER VI.LORENZO DE’ MEDICI AS A POET.PAGELorenzo’s Letter to Don Federigo of Aragon accompanying a Collection of Old Italian Poems—Opinions on Italian Poetry—The Poets of the Thirteenth Century—Dante and Successors—The Italian Vulgar Tongue—Lorenzo’s Position in Literature—Influence of Antiquity and the Dantesque Period—The Feeling for Nature in Lorenzo’s Poetry—The Love Poems—Lucrezia Donati—The Nature of Love—Lorenzo’s Sonnets—Idylls—‘Corinto’—‘La Nencia da Barberino’—‘Ambra’—‘The Hawking Party’ and ‘I Beoni’—Prevalence of the Burlesque—Dance and Carnaval Songs—Carnaval Companies—Mystery-Play of St. John and St. Paul—Spiritual Songs3CHAPTER VII.MARSILIO FICINO AND CRISTOFORO LANDINO.Platonism—Ficino’s Influence on Religion and Philosophy—The Connection of Platonism with Christianity—Speculation and Reality—Marsilio Ficino and Dante—Ficino’s Works—Book on Christian Learning—Translation of Plato—‘Theologia Platonica’—Translation of Plotinus and Dionysius the Areopagite—Ficino’s Letters on Personal Relations—His Connection with Learned Foreigners—His Manner of life—His Advice to Lorenzode’ Medici and to Cardinal Raffael Riario—His Picture of a Right Way of Living—Lorenzo’s Connection with Ficino—Cristoforo Landino’s Position and Labours—The Camaldulensian Discussions—Leon Battista Alberti with the Medici Brothers and their Friends in the Abbey of Camaldoli—Various Phases of the Study of Dante—Dante and the Fifteenth Century Biographies of Dante—First Edition of the ‘Divine Comedy’—Landino’s Edition, with a Commentary—Study of Dante in Landino’s Time20CHAPTER VIII.LUIGI PULCI AND ANGELO POLIZIANO.Matteo Palmieri and ‘The City of Life’—Burchiello and the Burlesque—The Romantic Epos—Bernardo and Luca Pulci—The ‘Ciriffo Calvaneo’ and the ‘Giostri’—Luigi Pulci and the ‘Morgante Maggiore’—The Epopee and the Courts of Medici and Este—Luigi Pulci’s Connection with Lorenzo de’ Medici—Angelo Poliziano’s Family and Youth—His Homeric Studies—Translation of the Iliad—Dedication to Lorenzo—Opinion of Cardinal Ammannati—Interruptions in the Work—The Dramatic Piece ‘Orfeo’—Tournament of Giuliano de’ Medici—The Stanzas—Small Latin Poems—Poliziano as a Latin Poet—The ‘Sylvæ’—Description of Lorenzo as a Poet—Description of Fiesole—Dedication of the ‘Sylvæ’—Son of Lorenzo, Pier Francesco de’ Medici, Lorenzo Tornabuoni, Antonio Pallavicino Gentile—Witches in an Academical Lecture—Poliziano as a Popular Song Writer—Rispetti—Poliziano as Translator and Letter Writer41CHAPTER IX.POLIZIANO IN THE HOME OF THE MEDICI. SCALA AND RUCELLAI.Poliziano as a Poet and Tutor of the Medici—Poliziano and Madonna Clarice—Winter Residence in Caffagiuolo—Ode to Gentile Becchi—Poliziano’s Letter to Madonna Lucrezia—Dissension between Madonna Clarice and Poliziano—Poliziano in Fiesole—Poliziano and others as Teachers of Piero de’ Medici—Giorgio Benigno—Giovanni Prato—Antonio Barberini—Piero de’ Medici in his Youth—Bartolommeo Scala—Benedetto Accolti—Scala and Lorenzo de’ Medici—Quarrel of Poliziano and Scala—Alessandra Scala—Poliziano’s Quarrel with Marullus—Alamanno Rinuccini—Bernardo Rucellai and the Platonic Academy63CHAPTER X.ERMOLAO BARBARO AND PICO DELLA MIRANDOLA.Bernardo Bembo—Ermolao Barbaro—Barbaro’s Visit to Florence and to Lorenzo de’ Medici at the Baths—Lorenzo’s Exertions in favour of Barbaro—Giovanni Pico de’ Mirandola—Pico in Florence and in the Medici Circle—The Cabbala—Pico’s Amorous Adventure at Arezzo—Disputationat Rome and Opposition—Denunciation and Apology—Lorenzo’s Interposition on behalf of Pico—Pico’s Country Life and Studies—Lorenzo’s Defence of Pico against his Romish Adversaries—Final Issue of the Difference—Pico’s Poetical and Philosophical Works—Pico a Type of the Age—Stefano Porcaro and Pandolfo Collenuccio79CHAPTER XI.PISA UNIVERSITY. MANUSCRIPTS AND CRITICISM. PRINTING. PLATONIC SYMPOSIA.Latin Poets—Ugolino Verino—Alessandro Bracci—G. B. Contalicio—Tommaso Baldinotti—Pierio Riccio—Pisa and its University before Lorenzo’s Time—Lorenzo de’ Medici and Pisa—Restoration of the University—Filelfo’s Endeavours after a Professorship—Difficulties of the New Establishment—Professors of the University—Bartolommeo Sozzini—the Brothers Decio—Waldo Bartolini—Francesco Accolti—Pierio Leoni—Lorenzo Lippi—Bartolommeo von Pratovecchio—Francesco de’ Massimi—Studies in Florence—Fontius and Chalcondylas—Johannes Lascaris—The high Development of Greek Studies—Platina and Pomponius Leti in connection with Lorenzo—Examination of Manuscripts—Emendations—Poliziano’s Critical Works—Collation of the Pandects—Translations—The Art of Printing—Bernardo Cennini—First Printing in Florence—Increased Diffusion of Literary Treasures—Manuscript Collectors in Florence—Lorenzo de’ Medici as a Manuscript Collector—Poliziano in Venice—Cassandra Fedele—Piero de’ Medici and the Medicean Collections—The Books of Mathias Corvinus—Intercourse between the Learned of Hungary and Florence—Collections of Inscriptions—The Academy at Rome—Fra Giocondo of Verona—Lorenzo de’ Medici as the Centre of the Learned World—Assemblies of the Platonic Academy—Platonic Symposia—The Exact Sciences—Paolo Toscanelli—Amerigo Vespucci96Third Part.THE FINE ARTS.CHAPTER XII.COSIMO AND PIERO DE’ MEDICI AND ART.Revolution in the Direction of Art when Cosimo was young—Architectural Questions—Brunelleschi—Re-building of San Lorenzo—Abbey of Fiesole—Michelozzo—Church and Convent of San Marco—Other Works of Michelozzo—Chapel of the Annunziata—Tabernacle in San Miniato—Tornabuoni Palace—Brunelleschi’s Buildings—Pazzi Chapel—Pitti Palace—Luca Fancelli—Leon Batista Alberti—Rucellai Palace and Loggia—HolySepulchre—The Annunziata Choir—Sculpture—Donatello and Cosimo de’ Medici—Lorenzo Ghiberti—Glass Painting and the Jesuates—Luca della Robbia—Works in Glazed Earth—Sepulchral Monuments—Noferi Strozzi—Neri Capponi—Orlando de’ Medici—Splendour of the Monuments—Desiderio da Settignano—Bernardo and Antonio Rossellino—Chapel of the Cardinal of Portugal—Mino da Fiesole—Ornamentation—Giuliano da Majano—Antonio Filarete—Niello—Maso Finiguerra—Painting—Masaccio and Fra Angelico of Fiesole—Benozzo Gozzoli—Paolo Uccello—Andrea dal Castagno—Domenico Veneziano—Filippo Lippi—The Peselli—Flemish in connection with Tuscan Art—Art-Treasures and Antiquities in the House of the Medici—Personal Intercourse of the Medici with Artists—Antonio Squarcialupidegli Organi—Domenico Veneziano to Piero de’ Medici—Benozzo Gozzali to Piero de’ Medici—Fra Filippo Lippi and the Medici—Beginnings of Art History—Cennini and Ghiberti120CHAPTER XIII.BUILDING IN THE DAYS OF LORENZO DE’ MEDICI.Lorenzo’s Knowledge of Architecture—Giuliano da Majano at Home and Abroad—Benedetto da Majano—The Strozzi Palace—Giuliano Giamberti da Sangallo—The Castle of Ostia and the Villa at Poggio a Cajano—The Convent of San Gallo—The Gondi Palace—Antonio da Sangallo—Plan for restoring the Façade of Sta. Maria del Fiore—Façade of Sto. Spirito—Palace of the Signoria—Clock of Lorenzo della Volpaia—Simone del Pollaiuolo called Cronaca—New Buildings and Streets—Works of Art in Town Houses and Country Villas146CHAPTER XIV.SCULPTURE AND PAINTING.Andrea del Verocchio—Sepulchre of Piero and Giovanni de’ Medici, and other Works—Antonio del Pollaiulo—Benedetto da Majano—Monuments of Giotto and Squarcialupi—Chancel of Sta. Croce, &c.—Mino da Fiesole—Monuments of Bernardo Giugni and Marquis Hugo—Ornamentation—Sepulchres of the Sassetti—Woodwork—The Art of the Goldsmith and Die-cutting—The Dossale in the Baptistery—Antonio del Pollaiuolo—Bertoldo—Andrea Guazzalotti—Gem-cutting—The Medici Collection of Gems—Giovanni delle Corniuole—Painters—Verrochio—Pollainoli—Alesso Baldovinetti—The Dante Picture in the Cathedral—Historical Compositions—Sandro Botticelli—Filippino Lippi—Cosimo Rosselli—Ghirlandajo—Mosaics—Baldinovetti and Ghirlandajo—Garden and Casino of San Marco—Michel Angelo Buonarroti—Leonardo da Vinci163FIFTH BOOK.DEVELOPMENT OF THE SUPREMACY OF THE MEDICI.CHAPTER I.CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES IN FLORENCE.Position of Lorenzo de’ Medici—Public and Private Finance—Constitutional Reform—General and Select Council—Council of Seventy and their Functions—Opinions of Contemporaries—Alessandro de’ Pazzi on Lorenzo’s Financial Position—The Taxation—Progressive Change of the Constitution—The Magistracy—Signories, Collegia, Councils—The Podestà and his Court—Magistracy of Eight—Guardians of the Law—The Council of Ten for Peace and War—Capitani di Parte Guelfa—Officers of the Customs and of the Public Debt—Officers of Trade—Guilds and Philanthropic Institutions—New Conspiracy against Lorenzo de’ Medici—Re-capture of Otranto187CHAPTER II.THE WAR OF FERRARA.Dispute of Venice with Ferrara—The Allies of Both—Beginning of the Campaign at the Po—Preparations in Rome—Sixtus IV.’s Oppression—Proposals to Louis XI.—Battle of Campomorto—Danger of Ferrara—Bad Management of the War—Threat of a General Council against Sixtus IV.—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Participation in the same—The changed Policy of Sixtus IV.—Sixtus IV.’s Agreement with his Adversaries—Lorenzo de’ Medici as Florentine Plenipotentiary at the Peace Congress of Cremona—Opposition of Venice and Continuation of the War—Ludovico il Moro and the Affairs of Milan—Lorenzo do’ Medici and Ludovico il Moro—Ludovico il Moro on Milan Affairs—Ludovico’s Negotiation with Venice—The Peace of Bagnolo—Unfavourable Conditions for Ferrara—Death of Pope Sixtus IV.—Confused State of Politics—Città di Castello and Siena—The Sarzana Controversy—Occupation of Pietrasanta197CHAPTER III.THE EARLY DAYS OF THE RULE OF INNOCENT VIII. LOUIS XI. AND FRANCE.State of Rome in the Last Days of Sixtus IV.—Girolamo Riario—Confusion on the Death of the Pope—Pope Innocent VIII.—The Cybò Family—Character of Innocent VIII.—Congratulatory Embassies—Florentine Embassy—Piero de’ Medici—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Advice to his Son—Lorenzoon his Relations with the Papal Chair—Latter Days of King Louis XI.—His Connection with Florence—Louis XI. to Lorenzo de’ Medici—The Ring of S. Zanobi—Extinction of the House of Anjou—Death of Louis XI.—State of French Affairs after the King’s Death—Anne of Beaujeu Regent for her Brother Charles VIII.—Opposition of the Nobles—Anne de Beaujeu and Florence—Efforts of the French against Maximilian of Austria at the Court of Innocent VIII.—Lorenzo’s Foresight—Refusal of the Pope213CHAPTER IV.POLITICAL TROUBLES. WAR OF THE BARONS.The Sarzana Dispute in Presence of Innocent VIII.—Lorenzo de’ Medici in connection with Milan and Siena—Disturbances in Siena—Political Balance—Political Situation of the Kingdom of Naples—Ferrante of Arragon—Alfonso of Arragon, Duke of Calabria—Alliance of the Barons—Capture of Aquila—Outbreak of the War of the Barons—The Barons, the King, and the Pope—Innocent VIII., Venice, and the Barons—Neapolitan Affairs and the People of Florence—Unsettled Position of Affairs—Lorenzo de’ Medici in Favour of King Ferrante—Lorenzo’s Counsel to the Arragonese226CHAPTER V.EFFECTS OF THE WAR OF THE BARONS. FIGHTING ABOUT SARZANA.Florence and the Neapolitan Controversy—Archbishop Rinaldo Orsini—Beginning of the Conflict—Alfonso of Arragon in the Campagna—Alfonso of Arragon in Pitigliano—Progress of the War—Battle at Campagnano—Differences of Opinion in Rome—Proposals for a Treaty—Duke René of Lorraine—Peace between Innocent VIII. and Naples—Slight Satisfaction of the People of Florence—Roberto da Sanseverino King Ferrante and the Barons—Effect of the Barons’ War upon the Fortunes of Naples—Lorenzo’s Difficulties and Despondency—Connection with Naples and Ludovico il Moro—Attack on Sarzana and Capture of the Town—Ludovico il Moro and Genoa243CHAPTER VI.LORENZO DE’ MEDICI AS MEDIATOR BETWEEN ROME AND NAPLES.Lorenzo de’ Medici and Innocent VIII.—Affair of Osimo—Boccalino de’ Guzzoni—Surrender of Osimo—Boccalino in Florence—Boccalino’s End—House of Medici—Death of Madonna Lucrezia—Maddalena de’ Medici and Franceschetto Cybò—Negotiations with King Ferrante concerning the Marriage of Maddalena—Life and Character of Franceschetto Cybò—Fresh Breach between Rome and Naples—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Despondency—Negotiations between Innocent VIII. and King Ferrante—Lorenzo’sOpinion on the Relation of the Pope to the King, and on the Political Situation—Weakness of the Pope—Gian. Jac. Trivulzio in Florence—Mission of Jacopo Gherardi to Florence and Milan—Lorenzo’s Exhortations to Prudence—Lorenzo’s Instructions for the Negotiation with Milan—Proposed Basis of Agreement—Illness of Lodovico il Moro260CHAPTER VII.FAMILY EVENTS. MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.Clarice and Maddalena de’ Medici in Rome—Maddalena’s Marriage Contract and Dowry—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Opinion of his Son-in-Law—Connections of the Medici in Rome—Piero de’ Medici’s Journey to Rome, and his Marriage—Alfonsina Orsini—Rejoicings in Florence on the Visit of Franceschetto Cybò—Illness of Madonna Clarice—Maddalena Cybò in Florence—Death of Clarice de’ Medici—Her Character—Lorenzo de’ Medici on the Loss of his Wife—Maddalena Cybò’s Return to Rome—Death of Ippolita Maria, Duchess of Calabria—The Marriage of Gian Galeazzo Sforza—Piero de’ Medici in Milan278CHAPTER VIII.DISTURBANCE IN THE ROMAGNA. TUSCAN AND UMBRIAN NEIGHBOURS.Girolamo Riario in Imola and Forlì—Death of Girolamo Riario—Catarina Riario Sforza—Disturbances in Forlì—Forlì remains in the Possession of the Riarii—Dispute about Piancaldoli—Conflicting Interests in the Affairs of Romagna—Dissatisfaction against Milan—Faenza and the Manfredi—Murder of Galeotto Manfredi—Revolt in Faenza—Lorenzo de’ Medici and Giovanni Bentivoglio, and the Disturbances in Faenza—Caterina Riario Sforza—Unhappy State of Affairs in the Romagna—Lorenzo de’ Medici and the Neighbouring States—Piombino and Siena—State of Parties in Siena—Lorenzo de’ Medici and Siena—Lorenzo de’ Medici and Lucca—The Connection of Città di Castello and Perugia—Franceschetto Cybò in Perugia—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Opinion of Affairs in Perugia—Victory of the Baglioni Faction in Perugia—Violence of the Factions—Affairs of Ascoli—The Papal Authority and the Jealousy of Neighbouring States—The Orsini in connection with the Pope and Naples—Gentil Virginio and Niccolò Orsini294SIXTH BOOK.LATER YEARS OF LORENZO DE’ MEDICI’S LIFE.CHAPTER I.FLORENTINE STATE AFFAIRS. MATTERS PUBLIC AND FINANCIAL ABOUT 1490.The Ruling Party and Old Enemies—Albizzi, Soderini, Pazzi—Francesco Guicciardini’s Description of Florentine Affairs—Alessandro de’ Pazzi on the Position of Lorenzo de’ Medici—Progressive Personal Authority—Supplications and Recommendations—Alessandro Farnese—Requests and Compliments of Foreign Princes—Friends and Dependants of the Medicis—Giovanni Lanfredini—Lorenzo’s Behaviour towards his Dependants—The Gonfalonier Neri Cambi—Weakness of the Administration—Committees for the Choice of Magistrates and for Finance—Reform of the Coinage and Currency—Finance of the Medicis—Losses of the Banks—Employment of Public Moneys—Institution for the Dowry of Daughters—Reduction of the Payments of the Institution—The Bank in Lyons, and Philippe de Commines—Commines’ Last Letter to Lorenzo de’ Medici317CHAPTER II.LIFE IN FLORENCE.Benedetto Dei’s Comparison of Florence and Venice—Description of Florence in the latter Part of the Fifteenth Century—Industry and Trade—Interest on Money and Money-Lenders—Mode of Life of the Higher Classes—Splendour of Festivities—Benedetto Salutati’s Banquet at Naples—Life in Florence—Town and Villa—Amusements—Athletic Exercises—Hunting—Plays—Religious Representations and Processions—The Potenza and its Growth—Carnavals and Parades—Reaction against Carnavals—Historical and Mythological Processions—Bartolommeo Benci’s Carnaval Procession—Buffoonery—Piovano Arlotto—The Fat Carpenter—Good and Bad of the Social Condition—Benedetto Varchi’s Description of the People of Florence—System of Family Life—Distinguished Women—Knighthood—Cavalieri di Popolo—The Embassies—Splendour of Embassies in the Fifteenth Century338CHAPTER III.HOUSE AND FAMILY OF THE MEDICI.The Medici as Collectors and Art Patrons—Wealth of the House of Medici—Traders and their Purchases—The Garden and Casino of San Marco—TheVillas of the Medici—Poggio a Cajano—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Mode of Life—Meal-times—Grandeur and Simplicity—Visit of Count Eberhard of Würtemberg—Horses and Races—Hawking—Visits to Pisa—Agnano and other Estates—Journeys to the Baths—The Baths of San Filippo and Vignone—Love Affairs—Bartolommeo Nasi Benci—Embassies and Presents of the Egyptian Sultan—Festal Reception of Travellers—Companions and Friends at Home—Lorenzo de’ Medici in Confidential Intercourse—Musical Entertainments—Antonio degli Organi—Music and Poetry—Piero and Alfonsina Orsini de’ Medici—Lorenzo’s Daughters—Homely Appearance—Lorenzo in Jest and in Earnest366CHAPTER IV.GIOVANNI DE’ MEDICI’S CARDINALSHIP.Innocent VIII. and Franceschetto Cybò—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Intercession for Franceschetto—Giovanni de’ Medici and Church Benefices—The Abbeys of Passignano and Monte Cassino—The Dignity of Cardinal—Giovanni Lanfredini—Lorenzo’s Impatience at the Pope’s Hesitation—Giovanni de’ Medici created Cardinal—Rejoicings in Florence—Lorenzo’s Thanksgiving—Impression made by the Nomination—Death of Giovanni Lanfredini—Canonisation of Archbishop Antoninus394CHAPTER V.ISSUE OF THE CONTEST BETWEEN INNOCENT VIII. AND FERRANTE OF ARAGON.King Ferrante’s Behaviour towards the Pope—Niccolò Orsini as Papal Captain-General—Lorenzo de’ Medici on the Quarrel between Pope and King—Position of Milan and Venice—The Pope’s Proceedings against the King—Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Proposals—The Pope on the Interference of Foreign Powers—Ferrante’s Opposition to an Alliance—French Propositions to the Pope—Innocent VIII.’s Complaints of the King—Innocent VIII. and Foreign Countries—Giovanni Pentano on the Agreement of 1486—Neapolitan Proposals for a Treaty—Peace between the Pope and Naples—French Affairs—King Ferrante’s Family Troubles—Gian Galeazzo Sforza and Ludovico il Moro—Breach between Alfonso of Arragon and il Moro—Neapolitan Embassy to Milan408CHAPTER VI.OPPOSITION TENDENCIES. FRA GIROLAMO SAVONAROLA.Lorenzo de’ Medici and the Clergy—Girolamo Savonarola in his Youth—Savonarola’s first Residence in Florence—Fra Mariano of Genazzano and the Monastery of San Gallo—Fra Mariano and Lorenzo de’ Medici—Fra Mariano as Preacher—Savonarola’s increasing Zeal for Teaching—Savonarola as Preacher—Francesco Guicciardini on Savonarola’s Influence—The Philosophers and the Monks—Representations of the Medici Circle concerning Savonarola—Savonarola’s Excesses—Savonarola and Fra Mariano425CHAPTER VII.THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF GIOVANNI DE’ MEDICI’S CARDINALSHIP.Giovanni de’ Medici in Pisa—Delayed Publication of the Brief making him Cardinal—Doubtful State of Health of Innocent VIII.—Publication of the Brief—Festival in the Abbey of Fiesole and in Florence—Giovanni de’ Medici’s Journey to Rome—Reception in Rome—Lorenzo’s Letter to his Son the Cardinal440CHAPTER VIII.DEATH OF LORENZO DE’ MEDICI.Lorenzo de’ Medici’s Illness—Remedy for his Sufferings—Changes between Better and Worse—Lorenzo’s Intention of transferring his Affairs to his Son Piero—Political Position—Moral and Religious Views—Lorenzo’s Advice to his Son—Lorenzo with Angelo Poliziano and Pico—Savonarola at the Death-bed—Death of Lorenzo de’ Medici—Prodigies and Obsequies—Decree concerning the Position of Piero de’ Medici—Roman Obsequies—King Ferrante on Lorenzo’s Death—Innocent VIII. and the House of Sforza—Entombment in San Lorenzo—Elegy by Angelo Poliziano453CONCLUSION.Lorenzo’s Characteristics—His Public Policy—His Tampering with the Constitution—His Financial System—Progress towards Monarchy—Lorenzo’s Son Piero—King Charles VIII. in Florence—Fruits of Florentine Culture469APPENDICES.I.Chronological Review477II.Pedigree oftheMedici483””Pazzi484””Soderini485””Visconti and Sforza486III.Last Hours of Lorenzo de’ Medici487

THE SECOND VOLUME.

FOURTH BOOK—continued.

Second Part.

TIME OF LORENZO THE MAGNIFICENT.

Third Part.

THE FINE ARTS.

FIFTH BOOK.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE SUPREMACY OF THE MEDICI.

SIXTH BOOK.

LATER YEARS OF LORENZO DE’ MEDICI’S LIFE.

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