Thomas II de Gadagne
Thomas II de Gadagne | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1495 Florence, Republic of Florence |
| Died | 1543 Avignon, Kingdom of France |
| Occupation(s) | Financier, banker |
| Years active | Early 16th century |
| Known for | Banking activities in France; counselor and maître d'hôtel ordinaire to Francis I of France; founder of a hospital with a pavillon Saint-Thomas for plague patients |
| Notable work | Commissioned The Incredulity of Saint Thomas for his uncle's funerary chapel |
Thomas II de Gadagne, often referred to as Thomas the Magnificent, was an Italian financier who operated in France during the early 16th century. Born in 1495 in Florence and passing away in 1543 in Avignon, he played a significant role in banking.
Life
Upon the death of his uncle, Thomas I de Gadagne, Thomas II inherited considerable wealth along with prominent commercial roles. He further grew this legacy by providing loans to influential French aristocrats, including Francis I of France, who appointed him as a counselor and 'maître d'hôtel ordinaire'. In 1537, he established a hospital that featured the pavillon Saint-Thomas dedicated to treating plague patients. Additionally, he commissioned the artwork The Incredulity of Saint Thomas for his uncle’s funerary chapel.
Beginning in 1538, Thomas II rented out the hôtel de Gadagne to the Pierrevive family. Ownership then passed to his son, Guillaume, and Thomas III, who held it from 1545 until 1581. His portfolio also encompassed properties such as the estate in Saint-Genis-Laval, the Saint-Victor la Coste domain in the Comtat, and a residence located in Avignon. He was married to Peronette Berti and fathered five children.