Maddalena_de'_Medici_(1473–1528)
Maddalena de' Medici (1473–1528)
Italian noble
Maddalena de' Medici (25 July 1473–2 December 1528) daughter to Lorenzo de' Medici[1] Born in Florence, she was educated with her siblings to the humanistic cultures by figures such as Angelo Poliziano.[2] In February 1487 she was engaged to be married to Franceschetto Cybo, son of Pope Innocent VIII.[3] They were married in January 1488, and she brought a dowry of 4000 ducats.[3] This marriage brought closer connections for her family and the Vatican, helping her brother Giovanni get appointed as a cardinal.[3] She used her influence with her father, her brother Piero, and the pope to help friends and poorer people get aid and positions within the church and governments.[4]
This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2016) |
In 1488 she bought a thermal bath resort in Stigliano.[5] She had it renovated into a profitable resort.[5]
Maddalena lived in Rome after the election of her brother Giovanni as Pope Leo X in 1513.[6] Shortly after his election, Pope Leo made her son Innocenzo a Cardinal.[6] Maddalena received Roman citizenship and a pension from her brother in 1515.[6] She worked to get all of her children married to noble families.[6] She continued in her role of patron, negotiating with Pope Leo and her nephew, Lorenzo to get clients protection, funds, and release from prison and exile.[7] She died in Rome, and was buried in St. Peter's Basilica by order of her cousin, Pope Clement VII.[citation needed]