Basilica of San Lorenzo Complex - Table of Contents .................. Florence - Table of Contents .................... Architecture Around the World
Medici
Chapel/Cappelle Medicee
Basilica of San Lorenzo Complex
Florence, Italy
| The Medici
Chapels form part of a monumental complex developed over
almost two centuries in close connection with the adjoining church of San Lorenzo, considered the "official"
church of the Medici family who lived in the neighbouring. Medici-Riccardi
Palace. The decision to build their family mausoleum in this church
dates to the 14th century The project of building a proper family
mausoleum was conceived in 1520, when Michelangelo
began work
on the New Sacristy upon the request of Cardinal Giulio de Medici, the
future Pope Clemens VII, who expressed a desire to erect the mausoleum
for some members of his family: Lorenzo the Magnificent and his
brother Giuliano; Lorenzo, Duke of Urbino; and Giuliano,
Duke of Nemours. After completing the architectural works in 1524, Michelangelo worked until 1533 on the sculptures and the sarcophagi that were to be featured on the chapel walls. The only ones actually completed were
- Excerpts: The Museums of Florence (online May 2020) |
  Light at top streams from a lantern  The model for the cupola interior coffered walls was the Pantheon in Rome  Triangular pediment and Corinthian pilasters window surrounds ... In the earlier adjoining church, the correct use of the Corinthian order for the capitals was new and a testament to architect Filippo Brunelleschi’s studies of ancient Roman architecture |
Tomb of Lorenzo, Duke of Urbino By Michelangelo  Photo source: Public domain  Tomb of Lorenzo, Duke of Urbino with the allegorical statues Dawn and Dusk ... Photo taken in February 2020 ... Two details below:  Duke of Urbino at the top of photo (Only legs and feet are uncovered by renovation construction materials.) ... aAlegorical statues Dawn (left) and Dusk (right) ... Sarcophagus features paired S scroll lid ... Photo taken in February 2020  Allegorical Dusk ... Photo taken in February 2020 |
Tomb of Giuliano Duke of Nemours By Michelangelo   Note flanking pilasters made of Pietra serena gray sandstone which was also used in the San Lorenzo Basilica ... Three details below:  Duke of Nemours ... Left: Allegorical Night ... Right: Allegorical Day  Allegorical Night  Day |
  Madonna with Child by Michelangelo Sides: St. Cosmas and St. Damian by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli and Raffaello da Montelupo |
