Historians and Antiquarians in Sixteenth-Century Florence
Anne Moyer
In the middle of 1560s two prominent Florentine humanists engaged in debate about their city's history. The participants, Vincenzio Borghini and Girolamo Mei, finally resolved many (though by no means all) differences Florence's past. Harder to resolve were disagreements historical evidence. example dispute demonstrates some range sophistication these late-Renaissance scholars, work, reflections upon it, it highlights critical role antiquarian studies advancing research its uses Many sixteenth-century forays into developed as extensions humanist researches. Leonard Barkan observed his recent Unearthing Past that textual focus was so strong archaeological might best be seen a subset study texts.1 Yet he also noted contrasting tendency Renaissance interest epigraphy. Unlike ancient texts whose manuscripts had generally been copied recopied through ages before reaching readers, inscriptions direct products Roman hands, part appeal lay sense immediacy. Further, visual elements conventions sufficiently striking often not only for contents but drawn.2 These differing inclinations-toward artifacts, with material connection past on one hand; toward writings, accompanied increasingly well-honed tools scholarship other-came figure large Mei actual points under debate. A good argument hinged degree which they saw artifacts from past, considered examined along other such ruined buildings pottery-or extent them something fundamentally different. Conversely, treated textually different degrees. modern historians long minimized importance early European thought general particular, despite important evidence contrary produced Roberto Weiss others;3 antiquarians disputants well deserve increased attention have more recently begun receive. Borghini's interests eclectic approach brought him victory over latter's strictly scholarship. Both worked Piero Vettori, editor tradition Angelo Poliziano, number editorial projects 1540s. (1519-94) spent most career private employment He left manuscript treatises addition work correspondence, including writings Tuscan poetry prose, those music name is now commonly associated.4 (1515-80) known roles advisors others, particularly Giorgio Vasari.5 demanding administrative prior Ospedale degli Innocenti hindered completion publication much research; collection published posthumously four books Discorsi (Florence, 1584-85). Due extended Cosimo I artistic projects, has portrayed mere courtier. …
Journal of the History of Ideas