Paula C. Clarke
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198229926
- eISBN:
- 9780191678943
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198229926.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
This account of the careers of two brothers, Tommaso and Niccolò Soderini, and their relationship with the Medici family opens up a new perspective on the political world of Renaissance Florence. The ...
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This account of the careers of two brothers, Tommaso and Niccolò Soderini, and their relationship with the Medici family opens up a new perspective on the political world of Renaissance Florence. The Soderini were at different times supporters and adversaries of the Medici, whose rise to power remains the subject of historical debate. Based on hitherto unpublished sources, particularly from the archives of Florence and Milan, this book examines the nature of the ascendancy of the Medici and of the opposition to them, the sources of their power, the operation of their system of patronage, the bonds connecting one of the most successful political elites in Renaissance Italy, and the development of the political institutions of the Florentine state. It contributes to our understanding of the political and constitutional history of Florence.Less
This account of the careers of two brothers, Tommaso and Niccolò Soderini, and their relationship with the Medici family opens up a new perspective on the political world of Renaissance Florence. The Soderini were at different times supporters and adversaries of the Medici, whose rise to power remains the subject of historical debate. Based on hitherto unpublished sources, particularly from the archives of Florence and Milan, this book examines the nature of the ascendancy of the Medici and of the opposition to them, the sources of their power, the operation of their system of patronage, the bonds connecting one of the most successful political elites in Renaissance Italy, and the development of the political institutions of the Florentine state. It contributes to our understanding of the political and constitutional history of Florence.
Mark Jurdjevic
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199204489
- eISBN:
- 9780191708084
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199204489.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
Chapter One analyzes the career of Francesco Valori and the nature of and motives for his alliance with Savonarola. Francesco and Savonarola first encountered each other as opponents, the former ...
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Chapter One analyzes the career of Francesco Valori and the nature of and motives for his alliance with Savonarola. Francesco and Savonarola first encountered each other as opponents, the former advocating an elite‐dominated oligarchic republic and the latter lobbying for a more broadly‐based and inclusive popular republic. It provides a narrative of the main political events surrounding the expulsion of the Medici and the establishment of the Second Republic and argues that Francesco maintained a distinction between Savonarola's vision of moral reform and his vision of governo largo political reform. The former he followed faithfully and actively; the latter he rejected in favor of his own vision of governo stretto.Less
Chapter One analyzes the career of Francesco Valori and the nature of and motives for his alliance with Savonarola. Francesco and Savonarola first encountered each other as opponents, the former advocating an elite‐dominated oligarchic republic and the latter lobbying for a more broadly‐based and inclusive popular republic. It provides a narrative of the main political events surrounding the expulsion of the Medici and the establishment of the Second Republic and argues that Francesco maintained a distinction between Savonarola's vision of moral reform and his vision of governo largo political reform. The former he followed faithfully and actively; the latter he rejected in favor of his own vision of governo stretto.
Mark Jurdjevic
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199204489
- eISBN:
- 9780191708084
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199204489.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
Guardians of Republicanism analyses the political and intellectual history of Renaissance Florence—republican and princely—by focusing on five generations of the Valori family, each of ...
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Guardians of Republicanism analyses the political and intellectual history of Renaissance Florence—republican and princely—by focusing on five generations of the Valori family, each of which played a dynamic role in the city's political and cultural life. The Valori were early and influential supporters of the Medici family, but were also crucial participants in the city's periodic republican revivals throughout the Renaissance. Mark Jurdjevic examines their political struggles and conflicts against the larger backdrop of their patronage and support of the Neoplatonic philosopher Marsilio Ficino, the radical Dominican prophet Girolamo Savonarola, and Niccolò Machiavelli, the premier political philosopher of the Italian Renaissance. Each of these three quintessential Renaissance reformers and philosophers relied heavily on the patronage of the Valori, who evolved an innovative republicanism based on a hybrid fusion of the classical and Christian languages of Florentine communal politics. Jurdjevic's study thus illuminates how intellectual forces—humanist, republican, and Machiavellian—intersected and directed the politics and culture of the Florentine Renaissance.Less
Guardians of Republicanism analyses the political and intellectual history of Renaissance Florence—republican and princely—by focusing on five generations of the Valori family, each of which played a dynamic role in the city's political and cultural life. The Valori were early and influential supporters of the Medici family, but were also crucial participants in the city's periodic republican revivals throughout the Renaissance. Mark Jurdjevic examines their political struggles and conflicts against the larger backdrop of their patronage and support of the Neoplatonic philosopher Marsilio Ficino, the radical Dominican prophet Girolamo Savonarola, and Niccolò Machiavelli, the premier political philosopher of the Italian Renaissance. Each of these three quintessential Renaissance reformers and philosophers relied heavily on the patronage of the Valori, who evolved an innovative republicanism based on a hybrid fusion of the classical and Christian languages of Florentine communal politics. Jurdjevic's study thus illuminates how intellectual forces—humanist, republican, and Machiavellian—intersected and directed the politics and culture of the Florentine Renaissance.
Beth L. Glixon and Jonathan E. Glixon
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195154160
- eISBN:
- 9780199868483
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195154160.003.0007
- Subject:
- Music, History, Western
This chapter looks at one of the impresario's chief responsibilities, the recruiting and hiring of suitable singers. Impresarios drew on complex networks built up with some of the leading families ...
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This chapter looks at one of the impresario's chief responsibilities, the recruiting and hiring of suitable singers. Impresarios drew on complex networks built up with some of the leading families throughout Italy, including the Medici in Florence and the Marquis Bentivoglio of Ferrara; various agents as well as diplomats in cities such as Rome, Turin, and Vienna were also called into service. During the mid-17th century, singers of many types looked towards opera as a way of earning extra income. Most of the male singers, whether castrati or not, were also active as church or court singers. Many of the leading prima donnas were recruited from Rome with increasingly high salaries. In some cases, the impresarios and singers (such as Anna Renzi) drew up detailed contracts in order to protect both parties. The complex negotiations necessary to recruit the best singers are described in a case study concerning the highest paid singer at the time in Venice, Giulia Masotti.Less
This chapter looks at one of the impresario's chief responsibilities, the recruiting and hiring of suitable singers. Impresarios drew on complex networks built up with some of the leading families throughout Italy, including the Medici in Florence and the Marquis Bentivoglio of Ferrara; various agents as well as diplomats in cities such as Rome, Turin, and Vienna were also called into service. During the mid-17th century, singers of many types looked towards opera as a way of earning extra income. Most of the male singers, whether castrati or not, were also active as church or court singers. Many of the leading prima donnas were recruited from Rome with increasingly high salaries. In some cases, the impresarios and singers (such as Anna Renzi) drew up detailed contracts in order to protect both parties. The complex negotiations necessary to recruit the best singers are described in a case study concerning the highest paid singer at the time in Venice, Giulia Masotti.
Allan A. Tulchin
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199736522
- eISBN:
- 9780199866229
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199736522.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, History of Christianity
This chapter describes the political evolution of Nîmes during the short reign of Francis II. Because of the king’s youth, faction fights broke out at court. As the Guises, and then Catherine de ...
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This chapter describes the political evolution of Nîmes during the short reign of Francis II. Because of the king’s youth, faction fights broke out at court. As the Guises, and then Catherine de Medici, held sway, royal policy switched from repression to conciliation. Nîmes’s town council and présidial attempted to follow the shifting royal line, but this became more difficult as the Protestant party gained strength. Eventually, royal troops tried to repress Protestant assemblies by staging a coup against Nîmes’s government.Less
This chapter describes the political evolution of Nîmes during the short reign of Francis II. Because of the king’s youth, faction fights broke out at court. As the Guises, and then Catherine de Medici, held sway, royal policy switched from repression to conciliation. Nîmes’s town council and présidial attempted to follow the shifting royal line, but this became more difficult as the Protestant party gained strength. Eventually, royal troops tried to repress Protestant assemblies by staging a coup against Nîmes’s government.
Paula C. Clarke
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198229926
- eISBN:
- 9780191678943
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198229926.003.0004
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
Tommaso Soderini's promotion for a second time to the post of Standardbearer of Justice gave him considerable authority within the regime. On October 1463, he was selected as ambassador to Venice. ...
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Tommaso Soderini's promotion for a second time to the post of Standardbearer of Justice gave him considerable authority within the regime. On October 1463, he was selected as ambassador to Venice. His mission to Venice illustrated the potential value to the Medici of seeing that such duties were exercised by their friends. After his mission, he was required to return to Tuscany in January 1465 to take up the position of the Captain of Pisa. He was not unable to return to Florence until September 1465. By then, the political situation had changed considerably, for after Cosimo de' Medici's death in August 1464, a movement had gradually emerged that combined the two major potential sources of discontentment against Medici primacy. While Tommaso was gradually climbing up to a position of authority second only to Piero's, his brother had joined the political has-beens of Florence.Less
Tommaso Soderini's promotion for a second time to the post of Standardbearer of Justice gave him considerable authority within the regime. On October 1463, he was selected as ambassador to Venice. His mission to Venice illustrated the potential value to the Medici of seeing that such duties were exercised by their friends. After his mission, he was required to return to Tuscany in January 1465 to take up the position of the Captain of Pisa. He was not unable to return to Florence until September 1465. By then, the political situation had changed considerably, for after Cosimo de' Medici's death in August 1464, a movement had gradually emerged that combined the two major potential sources of discontentment against Medici primacy. While Tommaso was gradually climbing up to a position of authority second only to Piero's, his brother had joined the political has-beens of Florence.
Paula C. Clarke
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198229926
- eISBN:
- 9780191678943
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198229926.003.0010
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
The last ten years of Tommaso Soderini's life illustrate the fruitful collaboration finally established between Lorenzo de' Medici and the other leading figures of the Florentine regime. While ...
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The last ten years of Tommaso Soderini's life illustrate the fruitful collaboration finally established between Lorenzo de' Medici and the other leading figures of the Florentine regime. While Lorenzo's will predominated, Tommaso and the rest of the maggiori exercised a measure of discretion that allowed full scope to their skill and experience. Lorenzo was careful to satisfy their ambitions and not offend their susceptibilities. The constitutional balance, which had to a degree been forced on the principal citizens, worked effectively to the mutual advantage of both sides, and both were prepared to accept it, despite the element of latent resentment and distrust. The measure of Tommaso's commitment to Florence's political tradition was proved by the careers of his and Dianora Tornabuoni's sons. Despite their early association with the Medici, they continued to take an independent line in politics, and in the end, to revolt against Lorenzo's son Piero.Less
The last ten years of Tommaso Soderini's life illustrate the fruitful collaboration finally established between Lorenzo de' Medici and the other leading figures of the Florentine regime. While Lorenzo's will predominated, Tommaso and the rest of the maggiori exercised a measure of discretion that allowed full scope to their skill and experience. Lorenzo was careful to satisfy their ambitions and not offend their susceptibilities. The constitutional balance, which had to a degree been forced on the principal citizens, worked effectively to the mutual advantage of both sides, and both were prepared to accept it, despite the element of latent resentment and distrust. The measure of Tommaso's commitment to Florence's political tradition was proved by the careers of his and Dianora Tornabuoni's sons. Despite their early association with the Medici, they continued to take an independent line in politics, and in the end, to revolt against Lorenzo's son Piero.
Mark Jurdjevic
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199204489
- eISBN:
- 9780191708084
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199204489.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
The introduction provides a narrative overview and survey of the five generations of the Valori analysed in the book. It explains the principal actions, conflicts, and outcomes of the family's ...
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The introduction provides a narrative overview and survey of the five generations of the Valori analysed in the book. It explains the principal actions, conflicts, and outcomes of the family's political careers between the late fifteenth century through the late seventeenth century. Additionally, the introduction provides an overview and survey of the family's primary intellectual patronage patterns, particularly their alliances with Girolamo Savonarola, a radical Dominican reformer and prophet, Marsilio Ficino, the city's leading Neoplatonic philosopher, and Niccolò Machiavelli, the most influential political philosopher of the Italian Renaissance.Less
The introduction provides a narrative overview and survey of the five generations of the Valori analysed in the book. It explains the principal actions, conflicts, and outcomes of the family's political careers between the late fifteenth century through the late seventeenth century. Additionally, the introduction provides an overview and survey of the family's primary intellectual patronage patterns, particularly their alliances with Girolamo Savonarola, a radical Dominican reformer and prophet, Marsilio Ficino, the city's leading Neoplatonic philosopher, and Niccolò Machiavelli, the most influential political philosopher of the Italian Renaissance.
Mark Jurdjevic
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199204489
- eISBN:
- 9780191708084
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199204489.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
Chapter Two analyzes the family's relationship to Marsilio Ficino, their Platonic patronage, and the tensions it created for the family's relationship with Savonarola. Bartolomeo, Filippo, and ...
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Chapter Two analyzes the family's relationship to Marsilio Ficino, their Platonic patronage, and the tensions it created for the family's relationship with Savonarola. Bartolomeo, Filippo, and Niccolò Valori all supported Ficino in notable ways: Bartolomeo and Filippo with financial and political support, as well as occasional minor collaboration, and Niccolò with financial and political support, as well as formally bringing Ficino into the family's alliance and patronage network by making him a godparent to Niccolò’s son. The sustained support of Ficino by the Valori family created tensions in their friendship and alliance with Savonarola, who was at the same time publicly condemning the value of ancient philosophers as a guide for engaged activity in the Christian world. En route, it provides an explanation of when and why the ‘myth’ of the Platonic Academy emerged for the first time in early sixteenth‐century Florence.Less
Chapter Two analyzes the family's relationship to Marsilio Ficino, their Platonic patronage, and the tensions it created for the family's relationship with Savonarola. Bartolomeo, Filippo, and Niccolò Valori all supported Ficino in notable ways: Bartolomeo and Filippo with financial and political support, as well as occasional minor collaboration, and Niccolò with financial and political support, as well as formally bringing Ficino into the family's alliance and patronage network by making him a godparent to Niccolò’s son. The sustained support of Ficino by the Valori family created tensions in their friendship and alliance with Savonarola, who was at the same time publicly condemning the value of ancient philosophers as a guide for engaged activity in the Christian world. En route, it provides an explanation of when and why the ‘myth’ of the Platonic Academy emerged for the first time in early sixteenth‐century Florence.
Mark Jurdjevic
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199204489
- eISBN:
- 9780191708084
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199204489.003.0006
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
The fifth chapter analyses the private papers of the Valori dating from the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. In particular, the chapter examines a collection of documents gathered by ...
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The fifth chapter analyses the private papers of the Valori dating from the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. In particular, the chapter examines a collection of documents gathered by Baccio Valori that considers the relationship of the family to the Medici during key moments of political flux during the preceding century and that examines at a broader level the general impact of the family's traditions and activities on Florentine history. The documents continue to elaborate on the family's special connection to Savonarolan religion and politics and the family's distinguished and privileged role in the efflorescence of Neoplatonism in Renaissance Florence, but subtly recast the family's political past more in terms of friendship and alliance with the Medici than in the more clearly conflicting terms found in several members entries in the family diary.Less
The fifth chapter analyses the private papers of the Valori dating from the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. In particular, the chapter examines a collection of documents gathered by Baccio Valori that considers the relationship of the family to the Medici during key moments of political flux during the preceding century and that examines at a broader level the general impact of the family's traditions and activities on Florentine history. The documents continue to elaborate on the family's special connection to Savonarolan religion and politics and the family's distinguished and privileged role in the efflorescence of Neoplatonism in Renaissance Florence, but subtly recast the family's political past more in terms of friendship and alliance with the Medici than in the more clearly conflicting terms found in several members entries in the family diary.
Mark Jurdjevic
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199204489
- eISBN:
- 9780191708084
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199204489.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, European Early Modern History
The sixth chapter contrasts two seventeenth‐century histories of the Valori, the first a Savonarolan and republican interpretation by the Dominican friar Silvano Razzi and the second a skilful ...
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The sixth chapter contrasts two seventeenth‐century histories of the Valori, the first a Savonarolan and republican interpretation by the Dominican friar Silvano Razzi and the second a skilful reinterpretation of the family's traditions as essentially pro‐Medicean by the court historian Scipione Ammirato. Both texts were written with the evident blessing of Baccio Valori and both praise the Valori as an exceptional and distinguished Florentine family. In terms of political content, however, the two texts contrast markedly. Razzi's biography of Francesco Valori is a tenacious and outspoken republican critique of Medici power and praise of Francesco's principled stand against it, while Ammirato's family history criticises the anti‐Medicean members of the Valori family and implicitly advances an argument for the legitimacy and permanence of the new Medici duchy.Less
The sixth chapter contrasts two seventeenth‐century histories of the Valori, the first a Savonarolan and republican interpretation by the Dominican friar Silvano Razzi and the second a skilful reinterpretation of the family's traditions as essentially pro‐Medicean by the court historian Scipione Ammirato. Both texts were written with the evident blessing of Baccio Valori and both praise the Valori as an exceptional and distinguished Florentine family. In terms of political content, however, the two texts contrast markedly. Razzi's biography of Francesco Valori is a tenacious and outspoken republican critique of Medici power and praise of Francesco's principled stand against it, while Ammirato's family history criticises the anti‐Medicean members of the Valori family and implicitly advances an argument for the legitimacy and permanence of the new Medici duchy.
Nicholas Dew
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199234844
- eISBN:
- 9780191715716
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199234844.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, European Modern History
This chapter follows the patronage career of the French orientalist, Barthélemy d'Herbelot (1625–1695), and uses it to further explore the institutional framework for Oriental studies in the late ...
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This chapter follows the patronage career of the French orientalist, Barthélemy d'Herbelot (1625–1695), and uses it to further explore the institutional framework for Oriental studies in the late 17th century. D'Herbelot enjoyed the patronage of the Medici grand dukes in Florence in the mid-1660s, and an attempt was made to bring him back to France. As part of Colbert's reforms of royal patronage, a ‘grande académie’ was planned, which would have included Oriental scholars. The failure of this scheme, and the subsequent movements of d'Herbelot, cast light on the ‘place’ occupied by Oriental learning in the ‘Republic of Letters’.Less
This chapter follows the patronage career of the French orientalist, Barthélemy d'Herbelot (1625–1695), and uses it to further explore the institutional framework for Oriental studies in the late 17th century. D'Herbelot enjoyed the patronage of the Medici grand dukes in Florence in the mid-1660s, and an attempt was made to bring him back to France. As part of Colbert's reforms of royal patronage, a ‘grande académie’ was planned, which would have included Oriental scholars. The failure of this scheme, and the subsequent movements of d'Herbelot, cast light on the ‘place’ occupied by Oriental learning in the ‘Republic of Letters’.
J. B. BULLEN
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198128885
- eISBN:
- 9780191671722
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198128885.003.0004
- Subject:
- Literature, 19th-century and Victorian Literature, 16th-century and Renaissance Literature
Two works are remarkable for their passionate, partial, and enormously influential interpretation of Italian history. The first was William Roscoe’s Life of Lorenzo de Medici (1796), and the second ...
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Two works are remarkable for their passionate, partial, and enormously influential interpretation of Italian history. The first was William Roscoe’s Life of Lorenzo de Medici (1796), and the second was J. C. L. Simonde de Sismondi’s Histoire des républiques italiennes au moyen âge, which first appeared in 1807 and, until the middle of the nineteenth century, was the principal authority on medieval Italy. Neither of these invoked or employed the periodic term ‘Renaissance’, but such was their status as authoritative histories that it is impossible to ignore them in the subsequent evolution of the idea of the Renaissance in the nineteenth century. In Roscoe’s narrative, the Medici are a benign and wise family, dominated by the talented, sensitive, and wise Lorenzo; in Sismondi’s version, the Medici are a tyrannical and unscrupulous dynasty, dominated by a hypocritical monster. The extraordinary divergence between these two myths is characteristic of the treatment of the Renaissance throughout most of the nineteenth century, and it derives from a new approach to the historical field which can be traced to these years.Less
Two works are remarkable for their passionate, partial, and enormously influential interpretation of Italian history. The first was William Roscoe’s Life of Lorenzo de Medici (1796), and the second was J. C. L. Simonde de Sismondi’s Histoire des républiques italiennes au moyen âge, which first appeared in 1807 and, until the middle of the nineteenth century, was the principal authority on medieval Italy. Neither of these invoked or employed the periodic term ‘Renaissance’, but such was their status as authoritative histories that it is impossible to ignore them in the subsequent evolution of the idea of the Renaissance in the nineteenth century. In Roscoe’s narrative, the Medici are a benign and wise family, dominated by the talented, sensitive, and wise Lorenzo; in Sismondi’s version, the Medici are a tyrannical and unscrupulous dynasty, dominated by a hypocritical monster. The extraordinary divergence between these two myths is characteristic of the treatment of the Renaissance throughout most of the nineteenth century, and it derives from a new approach to the historical field which can be traced to these years.
Paula C. Clarke
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198229926
- eISBN:
- 9780191678943
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198229926.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
This work aims to show how politics worked in fifteenth-century Florence, and the factors that brought about the constitutional change for which the period was well known. These political changes ...
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This work aims to show how politics worked in fifteenth-century Florence, and the factors that brought about the constitutional change for which the period was well known. These political changes consisted primarily of the rise of the Medici family to a position of predominance never before enjoyed by any Florence clan. The Florence constitution of the fifteenth century represented a compromise between groups within the city's society, and one which had repeatedly been remodeled throughout the city's history. The ability to call on foreign support was one of the important factors contributing to the Medici political success. The following pages investigate the careers of two brothers, Tommaso and Niccolò Soderini, who were partisans and enemies of the Medici at different periods.Less
This work aims to show how politics worked in fifteenth-century Florence, and the factors that brought about the constitutional change for which the period was well known. These political changes consisted primarily of the rise of the Medici family to a position of predominance never before enjoyed by any Florence clan. The Florence constitution of the fifteenth century represented a compromise between groups within the city's society, and one which had repeatedly been remodeled throughout the city's history. The ability to call on foreign support was one of the important factors contributing to the Medici political success. The following pages investigate the careers of two brothers, Tommaso and Niccolò Soderini, who were partisans and enemies of the Medici at different periods.
Paula C. Clarke
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198229926
- eISBN:
- 9780191678943
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198229926.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
This chapter traces the origins of the Soderini–Medici bond. The first section examines how the Soderini become involved with the Medici. With Niccolò Soderini's failed assassination of Niccolò da ...
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This chapter traces the origins of the Soderini–Medici bond. The first section examines how the Soderini become involved with the Medici. With Niccolò Soderini's failed assassination of Niccolò da Uzanno, Soderini seeked the help of da Uzzano's political opponents — the Medici and their supporters. Events indicated that the Medici partisans supported Soderini's cause in order to make political capital against their oligarchic opponents. Niccolò Soderini's appeal to the Medici group succeeded in protecting him from the consequences of his political vendetta and earned him powerful friends. The second section considers the Soderini brothers' involvement in the electoral controls of the regime. The presence of Niccolò and Tommaso on the winning side in 1434 enabled them to enjoy active political careers that involved them in the institutional controls introduced by the new regime. By the mid-1440s, the political sympathies and principles of the brothers were starting to diverge.Less
This chapter traces the origins of the Soderini–Medici bond. The first section examines how the Soderini become involved with the Medici. With Niccolò Soderini's failed assassination of Niccolò da Uzanno, Soderini seeked the help of da Uzzano's political opponents — the Medici and their supporters. Events indicated that the Medici partisans supported Soderini's cause in order to make political capital against their oligarchic opponents. Niccolò Soderini's appeal to the Medici group succeeded in protecting him from the consequences of his political vendetta and earned him powerful friends. The second section considers the Soderini brothers' involvement in the electoral controls of the regime. The presence of Niccolò and Tommaso on the winning side in 1434 enabled them to enjoy active political careers that involved them in the institutional controls introduced by the new regime. By the mid-1440s, the political sympathies and principles of the brothers were starting to diverge.
Paula C. Clarke
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198229926
- eISBN:
- 9780191678943
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198229926.003.0003
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
The settlement of 1444 constituted a turning point not just for the Soderini, but for the regime as a whole. When it was clear that the controls were to be used to shift the locus of political power, ...
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The settlement of 1444 constituted a turning point not just for the Soderini, but for the regime as a whole. When it was clear that the controls were to be used to shift the locus of political power, opposition against them became more widespread. This involved a further elaboration of the partisan institutions used since 1434 and a confirmation of the leading citizens' power was due in large to committed citizens, such as Tommaso Soderini. During the latter 1440s and 1450s, he emerged as a major figure in these political struggles, as his attachment to the Medici and his own political ambition made him a leading exponent of the restrictive institutions against which a rising chorus of criticism was by being heard by then. Medici and their friends were forced to battle against Niccolò and his ‘popular’ current for political survival.Less
The settlement of 1444 constituted a turning point not just for the Soderini, but for the regime as a whole. When it was clear that the controls were to be used to shift the locus of political power, opposition against them became more widespread. This involved a further elaboration of the partisan institutions used since 1434 and a confirmation of the leading citizens' power was due in large to committed citizens, such as Tommaso Soderini. During the latter 1440s and 1450s, he emerged as a major figure in these political struggles, as his attachment to the Medici and his own political ambition made him a leading exponent of the restrictive institutions against which a rising chorus of criticism was by being heard by then. Medici and their friends were forced to battle against Niccolò and his ‘popular’ current for political survival.
Paula C. Clarke
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198229926
- eISBN:
- 9780191678943
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198229926.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
The Soderini brothers offer an example of patricians who gained political success despite their limited financial resources. Their careers indicate how political activity could provide opportunities ...
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The Soderini brothers offer an example of patricians who gained political success despite their limited financial resources. Their careers indicate how political activity could provide opportunities for monetary gain, and how a citizen's financial situation affected his views on political questions. Niccolò's and Tommaso's finances closely followed their political careers. Tommaso eventually increased his meager fortune, while Niccolò found himself in economic difficulties even before the crisis of 1466 threw his financial affairs into disarray. Tommaso's connection with the Medici proved extremely important to him financially, whether in acquiring and protecting property or in avoiding the consequences of bankruptcy. Niccolò also used his influence, but his exclusion from the successful power circle in Florence meant that he was unable to protect his finances from taxation.Less
The Soderini brothers offer an example of patricians who gained political success despite their limited financial resources. Their careers indicate how political activity could provide opportunities for monetary gain, and how a citizen's financial situation affected his views on political questions. Niccolò's and Tommaso's finances closely followed their political careers. Tommaso eventually increased his meager fortune, while Niccolò found himself in economic difficulties even before the crisis of 1466 threw his financial affairs into disarray. Tommaso's connection with the Medici proved extremely important to him financially, whether in acquiring and protecting property or in avoiding the consequences of bankruptcy. Niccolò also used his influence, but his exclusion from the successful power circle in Florence meant that he was unable to protect his finances from taxation.
Paula C. Clarke
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198229926
- eISBN:
- 9780191678943
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198229926.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
During the last years of Piero de' Medici's life, from 1466 to 1469, the careers of Niccolò and Tommaso Soderini demonstrated what the political winners and losers could expect in Medicean Florence. ...
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During the last years of Piero de' Medici's life, from 1466 to 1469, the careers of Niccolò and Tommaso Soderini demonstrated what the political winners and losers could expect in Medicean Florence. While Tommaso benefited from the reconfirmed authority of the inner circle and from Piero's unchallenged leadership of the regime to increase his political status, Niccolò's hopes of returning in triumph to Florence gradually disappeared. He saw his native city becoming increasingly subject to personal Medici rule, with citizens like his brother dominating the political scene.Less
During the last years of Piero de' Medici's life, from 1466 to 1469, the careers of Niccolò and Tommaso Soderini demonstrated what the political winners and losers could expect in Medicean Florence. While Tommaso benefited from the reconfirmed authority of the inner circle and from Piero's unchallenged leadership of the regime to increase his political status, Niccolò's hopes of returning in triumph to Florence gradually disappeared. He saw his native city becoming increasingly subject to personal Medici rule, with citizens like his brother dominating the political scene.
Paula C. Clarke
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198229926
- eISBN:
- 9780191678943
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198229926.003.0008
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
Sacramoro Mengozzi remained aware that Piero's death might cause any of them to try to unseat the young Lorenzo de' Medici. Sacramoro dismissed the idea that Tommaso would turn against Lorenzo, for ...
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Sacramoro Mengozzi remained aware that Piero's death might cause any of them to try to unseat the young Lorenzo de' Medici. Sacramoro dismissed the idea that Tommaso would turn against Lorenzo, for although he possessed the intelligence to aspire to Piero's place, Tommaso lacked the popularity. Piero's death offered him the opportunity to make himself Lorenzo's mentor and thereby indirectly to exercise effective political power. The challenge to Lorenzo originated in issues of foreign policy, in particular in the serious and permanent antagonism that had developed between Florence's political allies, the Duke of Milan and King Ferrante of Naples.Less
Sacramoro Mengozzi remained aware that Piero's death might cause any of them to try to unseat the young Lorenzo de' Medici. Sacramoro dismissed the idea that Tommaso would turn against Lorenzo, for although he possessed the intelligence to aspire to Piero's place, Tommaso lacked the popularity. Piero's death offered him the opportunity to make himself Lorenzo's mentor and thereby indirectly to exercise effective political power. The challenge to Lorenzo originated in issues of foreign policy, in particular in the serious and permanent antagonism that had developed between Florence's political allies, the Duke of Milan and King Ferrante of Naples.
Paula C. Clarke
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198229926
- eISBN:
- 9780191678943
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198229926.003.0009
- Subject:
- History, European Medieval History
Although Galeazzo Maria Sforza was wary of Tommaso Soderini, he fulfilled his promise to Sacramoro to do his best to confirm Tommaso in his commitment to the Sforza house. While Tommaso did his best ...
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Although Galeazzo Maria Sforza was wary of Tommaso Soderini, he fulfilled his promise to Sacramoro to do his best to confirm Tommaso in his commitment to the Sforza house. While Tommaso did his best to satisfy the Duke's expectations, he was not prepared to subordinate either Florence's interests to Milan's or his own to Lorenzo's. These factors contributed to moments of tension during his embassy, in which the Duke's and Lorenzo's suspicion regarding his reliability were revived. By serving Florence's interests independently, he could shore up his authority without having to rely on the Medici. Despite Lorenzo's and Tommaso's disagreements on policy, they collaborated effectively in the interests of the city and of the regime, since Lorenzo continued to satisfy Tommaso's ambition for the most powerful positions at home and abroad.Less
Although Galeazzo Maria Sforza was wary of Tommaso Soderini, he fulfilled his promise to Sacramoro to do his best to confirm Tommaso in his commitment to the Sforza house. While Tommaso did his best to satisfy the Duke's expectations, he was not prepared to subordinate either Florence's interests to Milan's or his own to Lorenzo's. These factors contributed to moments of tension during his embassy, in which the Duke's and Lorenzo's suspicion regarding his reliability were revived. By serving Florence's interests independently, he could shore up his authority without having to rely on the Medici. Despite Lorenzo's and Tommaso's disagreements on policy, they collaborated effectively in the interests of the city and of the regime, since Lorenzo continued to satisfy Tommaso's ambition for the most powerful positions at home and abroad.
