Pollaiuolo's Hercules And The Hydron

Pollaiuolo’s Hercules and the Hydra was commissioned for Lorenzo de ’Medici, a private patron, and is an example of the interest in Greek mythology but still keeping within some religious context. By this point in time, Florence was well into its Renaissance. Private patrons would pay artist to paint subject matter that would depict more about man’s mortality. But Christianity was very much alive, so usually within these classically inspired pieces, religious context was still prevalent. During the 13th century, the Medici family was very heavily involved with the textile trades and banking. By 1434, the Medici family rose to political power and ruled over Florence as an uncrowned monarchy. They were devoted patrons of Humanism and supported