Francesco I de' Medici was the Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1574 until his death in 1587. Born in 1541, he was the son of Cosimo I de' Medici, the first Grand Duke of Tuscany. Francesco was known for his patronage of the arts and sciences, supporting figures like Galileo Galilei and enhancing the cultural landscape of Florence. Francesco's reign was marked by political challenges and efforts to strengthen the Medici family's power. He married Joanna of Austria, which helped to solidify alliances with other European powers. His rule contributed to the legacy of the Medici dynasty in Tuscany.