Worldly Goods: A New History of the Renaissance by Lisa Jardine

A thought-provoking, well-reasoned work that addresses the much-overlooked economic aspects of a flourishing creative culture.

Some of history's finest art and architecture was produced in Renaissance Italy. What made it all possible? Why did the Renaissance happen at that particular time, in that particular place? The traditional view concerns political stability and the evolution of medieval thought. But can that really explain the stunning explosion of creativity and the almost excessive proliferation of quality artwork?

In Worldly Goods: A New History of the Renaissance, Lisa Jardine sets forth a provocative theory: Money made it possible, and a desire to flaunt private wealth with a frenzy of conspicuous consumption made it happen.

Jardine is on solid ground. Italian trading centers made families like the Medici rich and powerful, and when political fortune kept them from making themselves royalty, the next best thing was to make an indelible mark on their cities. Bestowing fabulous creations on an appreciative public gave them prestige in their own time and fame through the ages. Not to be outdone, visionary popes like Julius II sponsored art for the glory of God (not to mention themselves). And with unprecedented financial support, artists had the opportunity to flex their creative muscles and reach for more powerful and dazzling expressions of love, glory, hope, or piety.

Worldly Goods is an essential part of understanding the extraordinary events of the Renaissance. Jardine's engaging style makes it an enjoyable read, to boot.