Routledge - Cultivating the Renaissance: Medici Tuscan Villas

Discover the transformation of the Medici family through the history of their Tuscan villas. From their beginnings as obscure farmers to their rise as European royalty, this book tracks the evolution of one of history's most influential families between the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries. Cultivating the Renaissance examines how the Medici family shaped politics, philosophy, and aesthetics. The text explores how they supported both arts and sciences to create a new architectural style. Readers will learn about the development of a new concept of villa life and the idea of living in harmony with nature. This social history provides a detailed look at how these estates were used for various purposes, including scholarly pursuits, sports, pleasure, and social connections. It is an essential resource for those interested in the history of architecture, the Renaissance period, and the cultural impact of the Medici legacy.