Lorenzo Usimbardi
1547-1636
Lorenzo Usimbardi was born in Colle Val d'Elsa in 1547. His brother Usimbardo Usimbardi was the first Bishop of Colle Val d'Else, while another brother Pietro Usimbardi was the Bishop of Arezzo.
Lorenzo was a Doctor of Law, the Captain of Justice of siena, and the First Secretary to the Grand Duke Francesco I de'Medici. Contrary to the practice of his father, Cosimo I, Francesco I, who was frequently away from Florence, preferred to delegate many of the affairs of state to an appropriate minister. In 1597, Lorenzo took up the position of Master of Works of the palace when Ferdinando I, Francesco's successor, transferred his court there. Lorenzo continued his duties after the death of Ferdinando I and became the "Auditore delle Riformagioni" under Cosimo II.
At the beginning of the Seventeenth Century, the fortune and influence of the Usimbardi family were notable throughout Tuscany. Lorenzo was an important protector of actors and musicians and played a significant role in the history of the Commedia dell'Arte.
He died in 1636, and his successors at the grandducal court were thereafter called Secretaries of War.
Lorenzo was a Doctor of Law, the Captain of Justice of siena, and the First Secretary to the Grand Duke Francesco I de'Medici. Contrary to the practice of his father, Cosimo I, Francesco I, who was frequently away from Florence, preferred to delegate many of the affairs of state to an appropriate minister. In 1597, Lorenzo took up the position of Master of Works of the palace when Ferdinando I, Francesco's successor, transferred his court there. Lorenzo continued his duties after the death of Ferdinando I and became the "Auditore delle Riformagioni" under Cosimo II.
At the beginning of the Seventeenth Century, the fortune and influence of the Usimbardi family were notable throughout Tuscany. Lorenzo was an important protector of actors and musicians and played a significant role in the history of the Commedia dell'Arte.
He died in 1636, and his successors at the grandducal court were thereafter called Secretaries of War.