Treasures of the Medici

by Anna Maria Massinelli

The members of the legendary Medici family amassed a fabulous hoard in the course of their long reign over Florence. This incredible assemblage of rings, statuettes, vases, brooches, and other objects, made of gold, silver, jade, alabaster, and other precious substances, was brought from Europe, Asia, China, and even the New World to beautify the persons and palaces of the Medici. Many European kings and princes had Schatzkammers or cabinets de curiosite that were a reflection of their power and the breadth of their interests. None, however, played such an important role in bringing together and sponsoring brilliant carvers of stone and crystal as well as sculptors, gold- and silversmiths as did the Medici for over two centuries. It seems scarcely conceivable that a single family - even one dominated by the preeminent bankers, princes, and artistic patrons of the day - could have gathered so many splendid treasures. These also included elaborate church reliquaries, priceless Greek and