Early Beginnings and The Power of "Denaro"

Il Duomo (designed and built by Filippo Brunelleschi
in 1436) photo by McPig, courtesy of Flickr
creative commons.

We begin in the early 15^th century, when Italy existed not as one unified country, but as divided city-states governed independently of one another.  Around this time the city-state of Florence began to flourish through the production of cloth, and forwent the traditional bartering of goods and services for a currency of silver coins, called "Denaro".  The creation of a currency in Florence made it possible to grow in wealth and status for the first time in history, a radical but economical idea; and Florence swiftly transformed into a prosperous city-state crowded by bankers and merchants.

Equestrian statue of Ferdinando dei Medici (constructed

by Pietro Tacca 1602-1608), photo by Simone Ramella, 

courtesy of Flickr creative commons.

Most of the wealthiest families residing in the city desired to showcase their affluence – and the best way to do so was to commission an art piece.  Families such as the Medici paved the roads for countless others with commissioned paintings and sculptures for private and religious use. 

As Florence grew in wealth during the Baroque and Renaissance periods, so too did its artistic community.  Commissioned art became a fundamental source of income for painters and sculptors; but while many commissioners were wealthy bankers, the subjects and ideals remained mainly religious.

Entering the Baroque period, the Catholic Counter Reformation reared its omnipotent head by commissioning cathedrals, sculptures, altar-pieces and more.  These were to be seen by the public in order to advise them to reform to the ways of the Catholic Church in piety and humility. 

Ultimately the commissioning of art by wealthy families allowed for an abundance of artists, all exploring new concepts and styles while painting and sculpting for the richest of Florence’s citizens.