How did Francis I de’ Medici support the arts and sciences?

Francis I de’ Medici, who served as the grand duke of Tuscany from 1574 to 1587, was a notable patron of the arts and sciences, despite his reputation as a suspicious despot who struggled with the nation's economy.1

His contributions included:

• Art Patronage: Francis commissioned the artist Bernardo Buontalenti to convert the top floor of the Uffizi into a dedicated repository for the extensive art collection amassed by the Medici family over generations. He also favored the work of the goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini.21
• Scientific Interests: Francis held a deep interest in science, particularly in the field of chemistry. This passion led him to establish a factory for the production of porcelain in Florence.1