Piero di Cosimo de' Medici

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Piero di Medici, known as "the Gouty", was a prominent figure in Florence from 1464 to 1469, serving as an unofficial ruler alongside his son Lorenzo the Magnificent. The Latin inscription on his bust reveals that Piero was captured in life at the age of 37, showcasing his refined features and aristocratic bearing. The diamond-encrusted rings on the borders of his tunic are a distinctive Medici emblem, embodying strength and loyalty. Originally displayed at the Medici Palace in Florence, as recorded in the 1492 inventory, Piero's bust may have been later relocated to another venue. During the 19th century, plaster casts of esteemed figures from the Florentine Renaissance gained immense popularity among British art enthusiasts. These reproductions served as a testament to the city's vibrant intellectual and cultural landscape during the quattrocento era. Artists coveted these plaster copies, which were often sold to them for study purposes or later to art colleges for educational use. To create multiple plaster replicas, a separating substance was applied to the original work of art or architecture. A plaster mould was then crafted from this substance, allowing for the production of numerous additional plaster copies. These reproductions were highly sought after by artists and educators alike, who recognized their value in facilitating artistic training and education.