Filippo Strozzi the Elder

Who was Filippo Strozzi the Elder?

Filippo Strozzi the Elder was an Italian banker and statesman, a member of the affluent Strozzi family of Florence.

He was born in Florence to Matteo Strozzi & Alessandra Macinghi. He was banned by the Medici as a young man, together with all his family, due to the opposition of Palla Strozzi against Cosimo de' Medici. He moved to Naples, and here he gained a renowned status as a banker.

When he returned to Florence he commissioned Benedetto da Maiano for the construction of the famous family palace; however, he died before the completion of the works, in 1534. He also had Maiano, along with Filippino Lippi, build a notable chapel in the church of Santa Maria Novella. Completed in 1502, it houses Strozzi's remains.