The Medicis: Patronage, Politics, and the Papacy in Renaissance Florence (1478)

Committee Profile

The Medicis: Patronage, Politics, and Papacy in Renaissance Florence is set in 1478. Following various members of the Italian elite, including the Medici family and other families throughout Italy, The Medicis will examine the political, economic, social, and cultural development of Italy during the Renaissance. The Medici Bank was the most highly regarded banking institution in Europe, holding a monopoly over the alum mines and managing the finances of the Church in its prime. Yet, the Medici’s power– both financially and politically– was not uncontested. The 1478 Pazzi Conspiracy challenged the Medici family’s rule. The assassination attempt brought up challenging questions regarding the importance of political representation versus protecting against the potential loss of important cultural heritage that would result from uprooting one of Italy’s most prominent patrons of the arts. Serving as the launching point for this committee, the Pazzi Conspiracy will challenge delegates to reflect on the complicated relationship between power, justice, and political legitimacy in Renaissance Florence.

As nobles, artists, politicians, and financiers, delegates in this committee will examine the major themes of patronage, politics, and the role of the papacy within the historical context of Renaissance Florence. Merging these various elements will provide delegates with plenty of opportunity for creativity as they work to balance political and economic gain against personal interest and artistic legacy, and we look forward to seeing how delegates make their mark on history.

Chair Letter

Hello, delegates!

My name is Cali Sheldon and I’ll be your chair for The Medicis: Patronage, Politics, and the Papacy in Renaissance Florence. I’m a fourth year here at UCLA majoring in Psychology and Communications with a minor in film. I was born and raised in Hermosa Beach, California, and outside of Model UN, I love hosting game nights, snowboarding, and hanging out in the botanical gardens here on campus. I also do marketing for a nonprofit that builds schools in Nepal and have loved getting to see solutions to the same types of issues we discuss in Model UN in real life! I love traveling as well and have been lucky enough to get to see so many beautiful and inspiring places all across the world–my twin sister and I just recently went on a trip to Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand! I have had such an amazing three years here at UCLA and am excited for my last one, and to serve as the chair for this committee!

I’ve been involved with Model UN since my freshman year of high school, and this will be my eighth BruinMUN–I competed at four in high school and this will be my fourth at UCLA. I’m also a member of UCLA’s travel team and am a USG of GA and specialized committees for our college conference, LAMUN. I’ve met some of my best friends in Model UN, and I’m so excited to make your experience at BruinMUN 31 a fun one.

I look forward to meeting you all, and seeing the creativity you bring into this committee!

Warmly,

Cali Sheldon | Chair | BruinMUN 31

medici@bruinmun.org

CD Letter

Dear Delegates,

Welcome! My name is Isabella Torriani (she/her) and I’m very excited to be your Crisis Director for The Medicis: Patronage, Politics, and the Papacy in Renaissance Florence.

To introduce myself, I’m a second-year Neuroscience and Political Science double major from San Diego, California. From having my Walter White moments in the chemistry labs to conducting constitutional research on the Philippines, my time here at UCLA has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Outside of academics, I play piano and flute in my downtime, enjoy trivia nights, and am a massive fan of all things David Bowie. My love for music always somehow translated into updates in my previous BruinMUN and LAMUN staff experiences, so expect to have a musical moment or two in committee sessions!

But enough about me! Medici-era Florence is a period in history rich with fascinating interpersonal dynamics, high-stakes political tensions, and long-lasting artistic impacts on Renaissance legacy. In this crisis, we'll redefine the outcomes of the Pazzi Conspiracy, navigate the treacherous waters of Florentine politics, and delve into the power struggles that defined the Medici era. I want to encourage each and every one of you to bring your passion, creativity, and wit to this committee. Embrace the historical characters you'll be representing, challenge the status quo, and let your diplomatic brilliance shine. If you ever have questions, need guidance, or simply want to share your favorite Bowie song, don't hesitate to reach out. I look forward to seeing how you work together to reconcile your rivalry with the infamous Medicis in committee!

Best of luck,

Isabella Torriani | Crisis Director | BruinMUN 31

medici@bruinmun.org