A A Patron Family Between Renaissance Florence, Rome, and Naples: The Del Riccio in the Shadow of Michelangelo

This book explores the Del Riccio family in Florence during the early modern period, examining their cultural mediations between Florence, Rome, and Naples, as well as the intellectual and social exchanges between different regions of Italy and the creation of foreign nations within the main Italian cities. It also studies the family's relationship with Michelangelo Buonarroti, highlighting the aesthetic and stylistic choices in the use of art and art display.

Format: Hardback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of the Del Riccio family's life in Florence during the early modern era, unraveling the profound cultural mediations they fostered between Florence, Rome, and Naples. It also sheds light on the intellectual and social exchanges that permeated different regions of Italy, as well as the emergence of foreign nations within the bustling Italian cities.

In order to explore these social and cultural dimensions in greater detail, the study delves into the unwavering relationship between the Del Riccio family and the renowned Michelangelo Buonarroti. This relationship, evident both in public, through the family's chapels in Florence and Naples, and in private, within their homes, provides a unique window into the artistic and cultural milieu of early modern Florence.

The central achievement of this study lies in its shift of focus from the ruling power of the Medici family and their immediate court to a Florentine middle-class family and their social mobility. This departure from the conventional narrative allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the role of images and artworks in early modern Florence and beyond. By adopting a distributed microhistory approach, the book offers a fresh perspective on the historical context, enabling scholars to better understand the nuanced uses of art and art display during this period.

The aesthetic and stylistic choices made by the Del Riccio family in their art and art display reveal a deep awareness of the significant differences in taste and meaning between different cities of the Italian peninsula. Their choices reflect a sophisticated understanding of the cultural nuances that shaped their lives and the broader artistic landscape of the time.

This book will appeal to scholars engaged in the fields of art history, visual culture, and Renaissance studies, offering valuable insights into the rich tapestry of early modern Italian society. Its meticulous research and engaging narrative make it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of cultural exchange, artistic innovation, and the formation of national identities.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367763275