Art Patronage, Family, and Gender in Renaissance Florence: The Tornabuoni
Cambridge University Press, 2/22/2018
EAN 9781108416054, ISBN10: 1108416055
Hardcover, 446 pages, 26.1 x 18.7 x 2.3 cm
Language: English
This book examines the multi-media art patronage of three generations of the Tornabuoni family, who commissioned works from innovative artists, such as Sandro Botticelli and Rosso Fiorentino. Best known for commissioning the fresco cycle in Santa Maria Novella by Domenico Ghirlandaio, a key monument of the Florentine Renaissance, the Tornabuoni ordered a number of still-surviving art works, inspired by their commitment to family, knowledge of ancient literature, music, love, loss, and religious devotion. This extensive body of work makes the Tornabuoni a critically important family of early modern art patrons. However, they are further distinguished by the numerous objects they commissioned to honor female relations who served in different family roles, thus deepening understanding of Florentine Renaissance gender relations. Maria DePrano presents a comprehensive picture of how one Florentine family commissioned art to gain recognition in their society, revere God, honor family members, especially women, and memorialize deceased loved ones.
1. Introducing a family
The Tornabuoni
2. Honoring a sister
Domenico Ghirlandaio's portrait of Lucrezia Tornabuoni
3. Immortalizing a family
the Tornabuoni family medals by Niccolò Fiorentino
4. Praising a bride
Niccolò Fiorentino's medals for Giovanna degli Albizzi
5. Complimenting a new couple
Ghirlandaio-School Spalliere for Lorenzo and Giovanna
6. Commemorating the family
the Tornabuoni Chapel at Santa Maria Novella
7. Memorializing a lost wife
Ghirlandaio's paintings for Giovanna degli Albizzi
8. Celebrating a second marriage
Botticelli's frescoes for the Tornabuoni Villa
9. Continuing the tradition
Lorenzo's sons as art patrons
10. Conclusion
Appendix A. Giovanni Tornabuoni's letters to Lucrezia Tornabuoni
Appendix B. Tornabuoni inventory bibliography
Index.