 Scipione Maffei's dedication to him of the "Giornale de' Letterati" (1710) is a proof of Ferdinando's widespread reputation.But it was as a patron of music that Ferdinando was most distinguished.He kept a villa in Pratolino, located some 12 km outside Florence, (now called the Villa Demidoff after a later owner, Anatole Demidov) which was home to many musical activities.