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Michelangelo's Leda : the diplomatic context
Author(s) -
Wallace WE
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
renaissance studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.117
H-Index - 16
eISSN - 1477-4658
pISSN - 0269-1213
DOI - 10.1111/1477-4658.00377
Subject(s) - flattery , painting , context (archaeology) , politics , art , art history , dictator , history , literature , law , political science , archaeology
In 1529, Alfonso d'Este of Ferrara commissioned a work from Michelangelo; the artist painted the famous Leda but the picture was sent to France, not Ferrara. Why did Michelangelo make the painting – when he claimed to be no painter – and why did the patron never receive his picture? These vexing questions lead us to consider the intrigue and conflicting loyalties that characterized Florentine‐Ferrarese political relations. The author examines the extensive diplomatic correspondence between Ferrara and Florence, and argues that the Leda was a diplomatic gift and a painting of calculated dynastic flattery intended to elicit Alfonsols desperately needed support during Florence's Last Republic (1527–30).