A Cultural History of Money in the Renaissance

During the Renaissance, money was primarily gold and silver coinage and local credit systems, which had a significant influence on the understanding of monetary value and shaped discussions on economic, political, religious, and aesthetic uses. The growing awareness that individuals were powerless to overcome market forces determined value and directed the movement of goods and money transformed ideas about money in the period.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Before the advent of large banking systems and the widespread use of paper money, money during the Renaissance was primarily represented by coinage, mainly gold and silver. These monetary forms exerted a profound influence on the understanding of money throughout the period, shaping discussions on various aspects of monetary value, economic, political, religious, and aesthetic uses, the moral implications of usury and credit systems, and the significance of reputation at both the state and individual levels. Acknowledging the powerlessness of individuals, including monarchs, to counteract the market forces that determined value and governed the movement of goods and money, the transformation of ideas about money during the Renaissance was a significant milestone.

To explore these themes in greater detail, A Cultural History of Money in the Renaissance presents a collection of essays that examine key cultural case studies of the period. These essays delve into topics such as technologies, ideas, rituals and religion, the everyday, art and representation, interpretation, and the issues of the age. By examining these case studies, the book provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of money during the Renaissance, shedding light on the various cultural, social, and economic factors that shaped its development and significance.

In conclusion, A Cultural History of Money in the Renaissance is a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts interested in exploring the history of money and its cultural significance. Through its comprehensive analysis of visual and textual sources, the book offers a rich and detailed account of the ways in which money was understood and used during this transformative period, providing insights into the complex interplay between economic, political, religious, and aesthetic forces that shaped the Renaissance world.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 169 x 244 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350365483