When visiting Santa Maria Novella in Florence, make sure to pause before entering through the central door of the basilica. Beyond admiring the intricate decoration of the portal and the stunning fresco in the tympanum, direct your attention to the step beneath your feet. There lies a red porphyry plaque with the inscription “Bernardo Oricellario” and a simple circle, also in porphyry, without further markings.
This red slab marks the exact resting place of Bernardo Rucellai (1448–1514), son of Giovanni Rucellai. Its use of red marble is no coincidence—it was a deliberate choice to emphasize the prominence and importance of this Florentine figure.
Who Was Bernardo Rucellai?
Bernardo Rucellai, also known in Latin as Bernardus Oricellarius, was born on August 11, 1448, and passed away on October 7, 1514. A member of Florence’s political and social elite, he was the son of Giovanni di Paolo Rucellai (1403–1481) and the father of Giovanni di Bernardo Rucellai (1475–1525). Through his marriage to Nannina de’ Medici, the elder sister of Lorenzo de’ Medici (Lorenzo the Magnificent), Bernardo became connected to one of the most powerful families of the Italian Renaissance. This connection made him uncle to Popes Leo X and Clement VII, two Medici pontiffs who played significant roles in shaping Renaissance and European history.
A Life of Influence and Legacy
Bernardo Rucellai wore many hats during his lifetime:
- Oligarch and Banker: As a prominent member of Florence’s ruling elite, he played a key role in the city’s governance and economic activities.
- Ambassador: Bernardo was a skilled diplomat, representing Florence in important negotiations during a volatile political period.
- Man of Letters: A true Renaissance humanist, Bernardo is remembered for his literary and intellectual contributions.
His most notable legacy, however, lies in his support of the Accademia Platonica, a group of scholars and thinkers who gathered in the Orti Oricellari (the gardens of his family’s Palazzo Rucellai). These gardens became a hub for intellectual discourse, where luminaries like Niccolò Machiavelli presented readings of his seminal work, the Discorsi.
Why Visit the Tomb of Bernardo Rucellai?
The red porphyry tomb at Santa Maria Novella is more than a marker—it’s a symbol of Florence’s Renaissance glory and the enduring legacy of its intellectual and political elite. By stopping to observe this subtle yet significant detail, visitors gain a deeper connection to the rich history that shaped Florence into the cradle of the Renaissance.
Make this often-overlooked historical treasure a highlight of your next visit to Santa Maria Novella and immerse yourself in the stories of the people who shaped the city’s extraordinary legacy.
