As part of his efforts to gain power in Italy, Francis I of France turned to making certain strategic alliances.

Lorenzo duly accepted, as it was a great honor to be tied to the French royal family, especially since he was of lesser nobility (the Medici being ennobled only recently), albeit an extremely wealthy one.

Seventy-two ladies were disguised in Italian, German, and other fashionable costumes, making for quite a rich display of silk and color.

[7] She had just given birth to a daughter, Catherine de' Medici (1519–1589), the future Queen of France and consort of Henry II.

As both of their parents were deceased, Madeleine and her elder sister Anne shared extensive properties in Auvergne, Clermont, Berry, Castres, and Louraguais.