Abstract:
After quelling the Pazzi conspiracy and solidifying his rule over Florence, Lorenzo the Magnificent aimed to reinforce his family's political supremacy and invigorate the arts. As part of this vision, he named his young son Piero as the heir to his political and cultural legacy. Under the guidance of the scholar Politian, Piero received a precious manuscript of Aesop’s Greek Fables, a popular educational text among the elite. Created around the same time as the first printed edition, this remarkable volume, showcasing the finest calligraphy and art of its era, stands as the last grand Renaissance tribute to ancient fables: each story is paired with a stunning miniature that vividly captures late 15th-century Florentine life.
This talk will explore key moments in the rich Aesopic tradition, from the Romance of Aesop to various fable collections across Eastern and Western cultures. It will highlight the significance of the Medici Aesop, focusing on its exceptional craftsmanship and its role as a cultural artifact within the vibrant intellectual scene in Italy that fueled the rediscovery and revival of the Classics. Additionally, the talk will introduce a newly curated edition of the manuscript, which, for the first time, presents both volumes of the Medici Aesop together, featuring the Greek text alongside Giulio Landi’s elegant Italian translation.
Registration
The seminar is open to the public, but registration at https://nettskjema.no/a/eveningseminar is much appreciated.
To participate by Zoom:
https://uio.zoom.us/j/65452685305