The history of the Botti family headed by Simone di Matteo, whose marriage to Maddalena Riccardi resulted in nine children: Matteo, Iacopo, Riccardo, Giovanbattista, Girolamo, Francesco, Simone, Elisabetta and Maria. What emerges is a complex family picture made up of marriages and births but essentially based on the formation of two branches: one Florentine, the other Andalusian. Adopting an effective policy of expansion, Matteo took on the role of coordinating the group from his base in Florence, while Iacopo moved to Andalusia, where he was followed by Giovambattista and Francesco, who remained for long sojourns. While living in Seville, Iacopo married Ana Francisca Fonte, a member of a prestigious Catalan family that had long lived in that Andalusian city. Four daughters were born of their union. This induced him to remain in Spain, although he always maintained his close connection with his brothers. When he died in 1562, he left all his wealth to his wife and daughters, causing his family of origin considerable upset, wanting to instead keep the assets united. The Florentine branch, which also grew in wealth and prestige, ended in 1621 with the death of Matteo, son of Giovambattista and Caterina de Medici. Matteo died childless, and his entire estate went to Grand Duke Cosimo II. The family, made up of patrons and art lovers, built up a rich collection over time that included works by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Andrea del Sarto and Giorgio Vasari, while also playing an important role in intercultural trade.