The Mythological Origins of Renaissance Florence: The City as New Athens, Rome, and Jerusalem

Irina Chernetsky's book explores how Florence was promoted as the reincarnation of ancient cities, portrayed in literature, art, and architecture, becoming inseparable from the real city. It examines the Renaissance notion of genealogy and the ideal city in intellectual, political, and aesthetic contexts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In her captivating book, Irina Chernetsky delves into the fascinating story of Florence, exploring how humanists, patrons, and artists sought to portray it as the reincarnation of the great cities of pagan and Christian antiquity: Athens, Rome, and Jerusalem. This architectural vision was vividly depicted in chronicles, histories, poetry, prose, art treatises, religious sermons, paintings, sculptures, sketches, and even in the buildings constructed during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Over time, the concept of an ideal Florence became intertwined with the actual city, encompassing its social and architectural structures. Chernetsky skillfully demonstrates how the Renaissance notion of genealogy was applied to Florence, considering it as part of a prestigious lineage of illustrious cities from both the past and present. She also delves into the broader concept of the ideal city, examining its intellectual, political, and aesthetic dimensions, while offering fresh perspectives on the urban experience. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Chernetsky sheds light on the intricate tapestry of Florence's past and its enduring influence on the world of art and architecture. This captivating book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, culture, and the enduring legacy of this remarkable city.

In her captivating book, Irina Chernetsky delves into the fascinating story of Florence, exploring how humanists, patrons, and artists sought to portray it as the reincarnation of the great cities of pagan and Christian antiquity: Athens, Rome, and Jerusalem. This architectural vision was vividly depicted in chronicles, histories, poetry, prose, art treatises, religious sermons, paintings, sculptures, sketches, and even in the buildings constructed during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Over time, the concept of an ideal Florence became intertwined with the actual city, encompassing its social and architectural structures. Chernetsky skillfully demonstrates how the Renaissance notion of genealogy was applied to Florence, considering it as part of a prestigious lineage of illustrious cities from both the past and present. She also delves into the broader concept of the ideal city, examining its intellectual, political, and aesthetic dimensions, while offering fresh perspectives on the urban experience. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Chernetsky sheds light on the intricate tapestry of Florence's past and its enduring influence on the world of art and architecture. This captivating book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, culture, and the enduring legacy of this remarkable city.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 176 x 252 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316510957