Lorenzo de' Medici, Duke of Urbino

Portrait_of_Lorenzo_di_Medici

Lorenzo de' Medici, Duke of Urbino

Lorenzo de' Medici, Duke of Urbino (1492-1519) was an Italian statesman and ruler during the Renaissance period. He was a member of the prominent Medici family of Florence, known for their patronage of the arts and influence in politics.

Early Life

Lorenzo was born in 1492 in Florence, Italy, to Piero di Lorenzo de' Medici and Alfonsina Orsini. He was the grandson of the famous Lorenzo the Magnificent.

Rise to Power

Lorenzo became Duke of Urbino in 1516, following the death of his uncle, Giuliano de' Medici. He was known for his diplomatic skills and his efforts to maintain the power and influence of the Medici family.

Patronage of the Arts

Like his ancestors, Lorenzo was a great patron of the arts. He supported artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, contributing to the flourishing of the Renaissance in Italy.

Death and Legacy

Lorenzo de' Medici, Duke of Urbino, died in 1519 at the young age of 27. His death marked the end of the direct Medici line ruling Florence. However, his legacy as a patron of the arts and a skilled statesman lived on.