He had been elected to the supreme magistracy for life, and was practically Doge of Florence.

His friendship proved on more than one occasion of some service to Michelangelo; and while the gigantic David was in progress he gave the sculptor a new commission, the history of which must now engage us.

The Florentine envoys to France had already written in June 1501 from Lyons, saying that Pierre de Rohan, Marechal de Gie, who stood high in favour at the court of Louis XII., greatly desired a copy of the bronze David by Donatello in the courtyard of the Palazzo Vecchio.

He appeared willing to pay for it, but the envoys thought that he expected to have it as a present.

The French alliance was a matter of the highest importance to Florence, and at this time the Republic was heavily indebted to the French crown.