Bartolomeo Cristofori di Francesco was born in 1655, and is generally considered to be the inventor of the piano. He served in the court of Prince Ferdinando de’ Medici from 1663-1713, and first prototyped the instrument in 1694.
“Grand Piano” by Bartolomeo Cristofori (Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Apparently he now regrets ever coming up with the idea. Read more here!