Patronage, in its broadest sense, has been established as one of the dominant social processes of pre-industrial Europe. While it has been traditionally viewed simply as the context for extraordinary artistic creativity, patronage has more recently been examined by historians and art historians alike as a comprehensive system of patron-client structures which permeated society and social relations. Focusing specifically on the city of Florence, these essays explore the new understanding of Renaissance Italy as a 'patronage society, ' considering its implications for the study of art patronage...
Patronage, in its broadest sense, has been established as one of the dominant social processes of pre-industrial Europe. While it has been traditional...
In the past half century scholars have downplayed the significance of Lorenzo de' Medici (1449-1492), called -the Magnificent, - as a patron of the arts. Less wealthy than his grandfather Cosimo, the argument goes, Lorenzo was far more interested in collecting ancient objects of art than in commissioning contemporary art or architecture. His earlier reputation as a patron was said to be largely a construct of humanist exaggeration and partisan deference.
Although some recent studies have taken issue with this view, no synthesis of Lorenzo as art patron and art lover has yet emerged....
In the past half century scholars have downplayed the significance of Lorenzo de' Medici (1449-1492), called -the Magnificent, - as a patron of the...
