Realm Collections Blog

The Renaissance was an era which signified new opportunities not only for a few countries in Europe but also for most nations across the world. This period in history, after a large percentage of population around the world was wiped out by the Black Plague in 1348,  lived up to its meaning of “rebirth.” Europe became the center of sweeping changes especially in Italy and the city of Florence.

Other than the Italian Renaissance, which was a cultural movement between the 14th century and 17th century, other similar movements in neighboring countries have their own version of Renaissance such as the English, German, French, Netherlands, Polish, and Spanish.

Florence became the model of Renaissance movements due to the significant changes in the city’s economy and culture. Several of the most prominent writers, painters, architects and philosophers appeared during this period such as Martin Luther, William Shakespeare, Leonardo da Vinci (the Renaissance Man), Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello, Sandro Botticelli, Erasmus, and Thomas More, among many others.

The city of Florence, especially during the 15th century, was a self-governed and independent city-state. One of the reasons for the city’s commercial success was due to its 12 artists’ guilds that regulated trade in and out of the city. The members of these guilds were very influential in both society and politics.

With the influence of the 12 artists’ guilds, the city of Florence prospered especially with the textile business. Most of the city’s wealth came from the manufacture and trade of cloth made from wool. Wool which was purchased from England and Iberia was cleaned, carded, spun, dyed and woven into cloths of superior quality. These were then sold in other parts of Italy and other European cities. Most of their businesses and products were transported over land since Florence was not a port city like Venice. However, Florence flourished in other businesses such as banking.

13th century Florence saw the start of many families involved in banking other than trading. Florin, which was Florence’s gold coin, became the standard of coinage throughout Europe. Due to this and the fact that Florentine bankers were well known throughout Europe, they were able to build banking houses in other important cities of the Renaissance period such as London, Geneva, Venice, Amsterdam and Bruges (Belgium).  Other than trading, textile and banking, Florentines earned their living from being masons, builders, sculptors and lawyers among others.

Other important cities during the Renaissance period made their mark on commercial development and technology such as the invention of the printing press, ability to structure stable financial institutions, provided knowledge on creating infrastructures, banks, factories, and attract tourists. Many citizens from these different cities were highly knowledgeable and artistic and strove hard to perfect their craft. Many discoveries on Science and medicine happened during this period as well the creation of several of the most renowned works of art and literature were produced during the Renaissance era. It was really a period of rebirth and development that reached the greatest heights close to perfection.

Are you a fan of the Renaissance? Drop by realmcollections.com for clothing, weapons, and other memorabilia from this fascinating period.