First of all, I must ask a question: What do you want in life?
And what if I tell you that you can achieve your desires in life through commissioned art?
I'm not bluffing!
It has happened in history, and you may be familiar with some of the famous paintings that play a part in the story.
For example, if you love a particular model of a car, you may set it as your phone or computer wallpaper, and this is the first step to getting closer to your desired item.
This is associated with the idea of the Law of Attraction, which suggests that focusing on positive thoughts and desires can attract positive outcomes.
Thus, if you list 10 desired things in life, you are creating a vision board.
What is a vision board and its purpose?
A vision board is a collage of images and words representing a person's wishes or goals, intended to serve as inspiration or motivation.
Vision boards allow you to visualize your success. By regularly looking at your vision board, you immerse yourself in a visual representation of what you want or hope to achieve. This helps create a positive and powerful image in your mind, making it easier to believe in your ability to achieve your goals.
Revisiting your vision board and connecting with your goals can increase productivity, reduce procrastination, and inspire you to get going.
Vision Board of Renaissance - The Secret of Wealthy Families
Wealthy families of the Renaissance commissioned artworks for reasons related to their social status, cultural and artistic interests, religious or political beliefs, and personal expression.
There are some common reasons, but the most significant reason is to show their status and prestige. Commissioning art was a symbol of wealth and prestige. Owning and displaying fine art was a way for wealthy families to showcase their affluence and social standing. These works of art were often displayed in their homes or palaces to impress visitors and rivals.
The Medici Family
Several prominent families throughout history have commissioned important works of art and played a significant role in the patronage of the arts. One of them is The Medici Family.
The Medici family effectively used art as a means to elevate their social status and solidify their influence in several ways during the Renaissance. They fully understood the immense potential and attraction that art possesses, and they used it in their quest for absolute rule over Florence.
By commissioning portraits that flattered their public persona, the Medici family climbed the social ladder through clever marketing.
The Medici family patronized some of the most celebrated artists of the time, including Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael. By supporting these artists and commissioning their works, the Medici family associated themselves with the leading creative minds of the Renaissance. This not only enhanced their social status but also contributed to the prestige of Florence as a cultural and artistic center.
Medici-commissioned arts, like portraits of family members denoting rulership, adorned the walls of their palaces. Riches and splendor surrounded the visitors and left them in awe, but also helped spread the idea that the Medicis were equal to a royal family.
Art Collection Commissioned by The Medici Family
Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus"
"The Birth of Venus," painted by Sandro Botticelli, is one of the most iconic and recognizable works of the Italian Renaissance. It was indeed commissioned by a member of the Medici family, likely Lorenzo de' Medici, and it represents a fascinating blend of classical mythology, humanism, and the patronage of the Medici family.
In the painting, Venus stands on a giant scallop shell, which is carried by the winds, Zephyr and Aura. Zephyr, the personification of the west wind, blows Venus ashore. To the left of the painting, a nymph, often identified as one of the Horae (the goddesses of the seasons), waits to clothe Venus.
The Medici family commissioned "The Birth of Venus" to showcase their support for the arts and their desire to elevate Florence as a center of culture and refinement.
Benvenuto Cellini's “Cosimo I de' Medici”
The commission for the equestrian monument came about as a result of Cosimo I de' Medici's desire to celebrate and solidify his power as the Grand Duke of Tuscany. He ruled during the mid-16th century, and his reign marked a significant period in the history of Florence. Thus, Cosimo I wanted an impressive equestrian statue that would immortalize his authority and leadership.
Cosimo I commissioned Benvenuto Cellini for the task. Cellini was a renowned and versatile artist, skilled in sculpture, goldsmithing, and other artistic pursuits. He began working on the monument in 1545 and spent several years on this challenging project.
The sculpture depicted Cosimo I on horseback, clad in armor. It was a magnificent representation of the Grand Duke in a heroic pose, symbolizing his power and rule over Tuscany.
The unveiling of the monument was a significant event. It was celebrated as a symbol of Cosimo I's authority and as a testament to Cellini's artistic skill. The statue was placed in the Piazza della Signoria, a central square in Florence, where it stood as a symbol of Medici power and Florence's status as a thriving center of Renaissance culture.
Bronzino's “Portrait of a Woman with a Lapdog”
She may be Cosimo de Medici’s aunt, Francesca Salviati (born 1504), who in 1533 married Ottaviano de’ Medici (1482–1546), the guardian of the family’s interests in the city throughout the 1520s.
The painting is a masterful example of Mannerist portraiture. The young woman is depicted with grace and elegance, dressed in sumptuous fabrics and adorned with jewelry, reflecting the fashion and opulence of the time. The lapdog, often a symbol of fidelity and loyalty, adds a layer of meaning to the portrait.
Bronzino's "Cosimo I de' Medici in Armor"
In the painting, Cosimo I is portrayed in elaborate armor, a symbol of his power and military leadership. He stands confidently, clad in armor and holding a baton, signifying his role as a military commander.
The portrait of Cosimo I de' Medici in armor serves not only as a representation of his physical appearance but also as a political statement. It reflects his authority, his position as the Grand Duke, and his role in safeguarding the Medici family's influence over Tuscany.
Imagine using these art collections as your vision board, and in return, the vision board becomes an object of admiration while also assisting you in achieving your desires. In other words, by imbuing the vision board with power, it eventually multiplies that power and returns it to you.
Lastly, I'd like to share some commissioned portraits by Michael Jackson.
