Basilica di San Lorenzo in Florence, Italy has long been known as the official church of the powerful Medici family. A discovery in 1975, however, shed new light on the church’s history and its connection to one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance, Michelangelo Buonarroti. A small, unassuming room tucked away in the basilica, is now thought to have been Michelangelo’s secret hideaway during his tumultuous relationship with the Medici family.
A team of researchers made the discovery led by art historian and professor, Massimo Ricci. While conducting a routine survey of the basilica’s architecture, Ricci noticed a small door that had previously gone unnoticed. Upon further investigation, the team found a narrow staircase leading to a tiny, windowless room. The room, measuring just 6.6 feet by 6.6 feet, contained a wooden desk, a stool, and a series of charcoal and chalk drawings on the walls.
The drawings, which depict human figures and architectural sketches, bear a striking resemblance to Michelangelo’s famous works, such as the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the statue of David. Ricci and his team believe that these drawings were created by Michelangelo himself, providing a rare glimpse into the artist’s creative process and personal life.
Michelangelo’s relationship with the Medici family was complex and often strained. The artist was first introduced to the family as a young apprentice in the court of Lorenzo de’ Medici, known as Lorenzo the Magnificent. Lorenzo recognized Michelangelo’s talent and became his patron, providing him with a stipend and a place to live and work.
However, after Lorenzo’s death in 1492, the Medici family’s power began to wane. Michelangelo found himself caught in the middle of political upheaval and religious turmoil. In 1494, the Medici were expelled from Florence, and Michelangelo, fearing for his safety, fled the city. He spent several years in Bologna and Rome, working on commissions for other patrons.
In 1501, Michelangelo returned to Florence, where he was commissioned to create the statue of David for the cathedral. The statue, which depicts the biblical hero in a moment of quiet contemplation before his battle with Goliath, became an instant sensation and cemented Michelangelo’s reputation as one of the greatest artists of his time.
Despite his success, Michelangelo’s relationship with the Medici family remained complicated. In 1516, he was commissioned by Pope Leo X, a member of the Medici family, to design the façade of the Basilica di San Lorenzo. However, the project was plagued by delays and disagreements, and Michelangelo eventually abandoned it in frustration.
It was during this time that researchers believe Michelangelo may have used the small room in the basilica as a secret hideaway. The room’s location, high above the main chapel and accessible only by a narrow staircase, would have provided the artist with a quiet, secluded space to work and reflect.
The discovery of Michelangelo’s secret room has shed new light on the artist’s life and his relationship with the Medici family. It also underscores the importance of the Basilica di San Lorenzo as a cultural and historical landmark in Florence.
The Medici family’s patronage of the arts and sciences helped to shape the Renaissance and left an indelible mark on the city of Florence. The family’s legacy can be seen in the many works of art and architecture that adorn the city’s churches, palaces, and public spaces.
For Michelangelo, the Medici family’s influence was both a blessing and a curse. While their patronage provided him with the resources and opportunities to create some of his greatest works, it also placed him in the middle of political and religious conflicts that often threatened his safety and his artistic freedom.
For the first time since its discovery in 1975, Michelangelo’s secret room is now open to the public.
