A mini-series on the de Medici dynasty has hit Italian television. I cannot deny that to see history come to life with actors embodying the figures who contributed to forming the Florentine way of life focused on civic responsibility and patronage of the arts, which resulted in a flourishing culture in the historic period that is known as the Renaissance, is fascinating. The allure of the moving picture, however, can detract from the depth of representation and the accurate reconstruction of character and place. Hence, I pounced on the copy I have of the book Lorenzo de Medici and the Art of Magnificence by the late Renaissance scholar and historian, who was also a friend, Professor Bill Kent. The book I have was a gift; I treasure it. In it I check and recheck the historical accounts, but more so the detail and description of character, which no moving picture or courageous actor can elicit, in this case of Lorenzo de Medici; add to it the language and style, as well as the charm, of a truly magnificent scholar, the aforementioned, Bill Kent.
You will see what I mean.
Silvana Tuccio, November 2018
PS Professor Bill Kent founded the Monash University Prato Centre, in Prato, Italy.