Piero di Cosimo de’Medici

Piero was born in Florence into the prominent Medici family as the son of Cosimo de Elder and Contessina de Bardi. Since he suffered from gout, a hereditary family illness that often left him able only to use his tongue, his role in the family business and public life was limited. Due to his illness, he is also known in history as Piero “Il Gottoso”, or Piero the Gouty.

After his father’s death in 1464 Piero take over the control over the family business. He ordered a general inventory of property and investments which demonstrated that bank was in a bad condition. Thus, he considerably restricted further lending of money. According to Machiavelli, he began calling in loans, many of them to various Medici supporters, what resulted in numerous bankruptcies. By this act the Medici family made many opponents.

He was known as shy, introverted man dedicated to learning and culture. He married Lucrezia Tornabuoni, a member of the old Florentine noble family with whom he had two sons – Giuliano and famous Lorenzo, nicknamed “The Magnificent”.

Thanks to his excellent diplomatic skills which left a strong impression on Louis XI, the King of France, the Medici were allowed to decorate the topmost ball on their shield with three fleur-de-lis, a sign of the Royal House of Valois.

Piero died in 1469 due to gout and lounge disease. He was buried in the Church of San Lorenzo.