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MARIE DE’ MEDICI (1575-1642) The “big banker” Queen of France
THE SPACE The lofty Maria de’ Medici suite is decorated with an elegant 18th-century ceiling that tells the story of the allegorical Roman hero - Marcus Curtius, who leaped into a deep pit in the middle of the Roman Forum as a sacrifice to the gods to save Rome. Clouds of various shades float across the ceiling, foretelling the dramatic legend. As the hero gazes courageously into the abyss below him, he breaks the hearts of the spectators. Palazzo Portinari Salviati has dedicated this room to Marie de’ Medici, the crowned queen of France whose innate love for beauty spread the message of Italian art and culture far beyond the Tuscan land. THE STORY The richest heiress in Europe Born to Francesco I de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and a Habsburg princess, Joanna of Austria, Maria de Medici’s childhood was spent in luxury and splendor in her birthplace, the Palazzo Pitti. Both of Maria’s parents died when she was 12, which left her to be considered the richest heiress in Europe. Her uncle, Ferdinando I, assumed the role of the Grand Duke and provided Maria with a good education. As a curious and open-minded student, Maria showed interest in math, philosophy, astronomy, and had a passion for jewelry and precious stones. Maria was also a talented painter, tutored by many of Florence’s artists. She enjoyed singing, guitar and the theater, and remained a patron of these arts throughout her life.
MARIE DE’ MEDICI
A portrait of Marie de’ Medici, oil on canvas From the school of Anthony van Dyck (Flemish, 1599-1641)
