Hello all,
I am developing an essay on the importance, definition, characteristics, and impact of self-image in Renaissance Florence (particularly pre-16th century). However I am more of a medievalist, and as such I am having trouble in finding sources and information on the topic. I particularly wanted to have a segment on the importance of books, literature, and libraries in relation to self-image (anything else that may relate is very welcome).
Is there anyone who can give me a general overview of the importance of self-image in early Renaissance Florence?
Which sources would be good to look at/refer to in order to build up a good bibliography?
Thank you kindly
I can't offer you a lot, but try this essay:
A. Grafton, “The Humanist as Reader,” in A History of Reading in the West, ed. R. Chartier and G. Cavallo (2003), 179-210.
It doesn't fit your criteria perfectly (being published in 1528), but a good primary source could be "Il Cortegiano" (eng. The Courtier) by Baldassare Castiglione. It is set in Urbino, but Castiglione himself was a Mantuan in the employ of the Papal State when he wrote the book, so it could be a good source of information on Renaissance Italy in the general sense.
Of particular interest for you could be the concept of "Sprezzatura".