Giuliano de'Medici

Image from the National Gallery of Art. "Giuliano de'Medici" painted by Sandro Botticelli c. 1478/1480

On April 26, 1478, Giuliano de'Medici was assassinated. 

    Giuliano and his brother Lorenzo were from the incredibly wealthy and influential Medici family, which exerted its power over the city of Florence. The brothers ruled Florence after their father, Piero de'Medici, passed away. The Medici family accumulated many rivals that desired their power, chief among them being the Pazzi family, which had experienced a decline in prestige as the Medici rose in status. 

    On Easter Sunday in 1478, the Medici brothers attended mass at the Florence Cathedral, the "Duomo." Giuliano was stabbed several times by Franceso de'Pazzi, who had hidden a long dagger in his robes. An attempt was made to assassinate Lorenzo de'Medici as well, however he escaped. 

    The assassination of Giuliano de'Medici and attempted assassination of Lorenzo de'Medici were part of the Pazzi Conspiracy, an effort by the Pazzi family, in collaboration with Pope Sixtus IV, to stage a coup and re-exert their power over the city of Florence. However, this plot failed tragically for the Pazzi family. Francesco de'Pazzi was hung and many members of the Pazzi family were prosecuted, jailed, and killed. 

    The assassination of Giuliano de'Medici prompted many artists, including Botticelli and Michelangelo, to pay tribute to the deceased ruler through their work. Lorenzo's power was strengthened, Florence went to war with the papacy, and the Pazzi never again threatened the rule of the Medici.