Niccolo Machiavelli

Signor Machiavelli was acquainted with Maestro Leonardo da Vinci. They were friends who also collaborated on projects for the Florentine Republic. Surprisingly, most of these endeavors failed, which is difficult to imagine with these two great intellects.

“Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli probably first met in the town of Imola during 1502. Their paths crossed at the court of Cesare Borgia, where–for different reasons–each was in residence from October through the end of the year. Leonardo had taken a position as Borgia’s military architect and engineer. Niccolò, second chancellor of the government of Florence, was on a diplomatic mission to keep an eye on the unscrupulous Cesare…

Most of the projects on which Leonardo and Machiavelli collaborated were failures. The ditches intended to divert the Arno at Pisa collapsed because of a combination of incompetence and bad luck. The project was abandoned amid recrimination and criticism of its cost, ending any hope of implementing Leonardo’s broader plan to make Florence a seaport. The following year, Leonardo had another disaster with his Council Hall fresco. The preliminary drawing for the Battle of Anghiari was the wonder of all who saw it. But because Leonardo used an experimental technique on the wall, paint ran and dripped, work on it was abandoned, and eventually the partially completed fresco was destroyed.” (1)

Brief biography of our first Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci

Would it surprise you to learn that the original ideas for the life preserver or scuba fins at your pool, lake, or beach came from a man who lived over 500 years ago? When you step out of the water, if you should see a helicopter hovering overhead, did you know that such a flying machine was thought of before the American continent was colonized? What if our helicopter pilot has to bail out? Luckily for him or her, that same inventor came up with the idea for a parachute. This was the man from Vinci, who is known to most of the world simply as Leonardo.

Early Life

On April 15th, 1452, Leonardo was born in a village called Anchiano, near the small Tuscan town of Vinci, which was located near present day Florence. He was the son of Ser Piero, a notary, and Caterina, a young peasant woman. His surname, da Vinci, means “from Vinci.” Leonardo was a curious child, for he frequently would take long walks in the countryside. There he would observe the flight of birds, the motion of rivers, and the various species of animal life.

“Pity the student who does not surpass his master.”

Leonardo was a student of life with a quest for knowledge, and his lifetime of observations has given the world thousands of pages of detailed notes and drawings. Some of his favorite areas of study were painting and sketching, anatomy, astronomy, aviation, biology, geology, hydraulic engineering, and weaponry. Many were topics that were not discussed until centuries after his death. He was born before his time, since he always looked into the future.

At the age of sixteen, Leonardo became an apprentice in the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio, who was a famous Florentine artist and sculptor. Although most of his time was dedicated to mixing paints and moving slabs of white marble, Leonardo would roam the streets of Florence, making observations of people in his ever present notebooks. Leonardo was very private about his numerous notebooks, and he wrote in a strange fashion: right to left and backwards. He was left handed, and the only way to read such a script was to hold the pages up to a mirror.

Mona Lisa

Leonardo is perhaps best known to the world as an artist. His oil painting, “Mona Lisa,” also known as “La Gioconda,” is a famous masterpiece. It resides in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. According to Giorgio Vasari, the biographer of Leonardo da Vinci, the name of the model was Lisa Gherardini. She was the wife of Francesco del Giocondo, who was an affluent merchant. “Mona” is a contraction for “Madonna,” which in that time was similar to the formal use of “Madam” today. The painting became known as the Mona Lisa.

In 2004, an Italian art historian, Giuseppe Pallanti, wrote a book called “Mona Lisa Revealed: The True Identity of Leonardo’s Model.” According to a reference in the Wikipedia article about Mona Lisa, “The portrait of Mona Lisa, done when Lisa Gherardini was aged about 24, was probably commissioned by Leonardo’s father himself for his friends as he is known to have done on at least one other occasion.” (2)

A Lifetime of Curiosity

Leonardo was always fascinated with the questions of why and how things worked. For example, his detailed sketches of human anatomy are still used today in medical textbooks, and his studies of the possibility of human flight ultimately gave the world airplanes, hang gliders, and helicopters.

Leonardo lived in the time of the Renaissance, which means “reawakening.” It was a period of vast artistic development in Europe. The city of Florence was the center of art and culture, and it attracted the best artists and sculptors of that time. After Leonardo finished his apprenticeship, he became a teacher himself. “Pity the student who does not surpass his master.” He was known as maestro to his students, which meant “master” in Italian. One of his students, Raffaelo (Raphael) Sanzio, would later become famous for his work in St. Peter’s Basilica, along with many other masterpieces.

Before his death in 1519, Leonardo expressed a lifetime of observations in his “Treatise on Art,” which was a book that explained the master’s views on painting, sculpting, and sketching. Leonardo believed that it was necessary for an artist, “To know the inner structure of man.” During a life filled with constant learning, Leonardo, the man from Vinci, not only taught his pupils to look for answers inside of men, but also to seek knowledge within the world where they live.

References

(1) “A Mysterious Friendship.” “Fortune is a River,” Chapter 1, by Professor Roger D. Masters of Dartmouth College.

(2) Wikipedia article: “Mona Lisa.”

Copyright © 2007 by Steve Amoia.

Niccolo Machiavelli was a contemporary of Michelangelo Buonarroti. Actually, they share the same final resting place at the famous Florentine church of Santa Croce, which means “Holy Cross” in Italian. Galileo, the famous astronomer, along with Giacomo Rossini, a famous composer, are also buried at Santa Croce.

In life, their paths crossed for a less than humane activity that was anything but Machiavellian in its result:

“ … there was the time Machiavelli commissioned Michelangelo Buonarroti to construct a canal to divert the Arno River from reaching Pisa, thus starving the city. Nothing became of the plan and it ended up to be an embarrassment (Rubinstein 74).” (1)

To give you an idea of one of the extraordinary talents that was produced during the Italian Renaissance, here is a biographical sketch that I have written about Michelangelo Buonarroti.

“I Live in Hell and Paint its Pictures.”

One of the greatest artists, architects, and sculptors to ever grace this world was Michelangelo Buonarroti. He was born on 6 March 1475 in the small village of Caprese, which was located in the province of Tuscany. His father was named Ludovico, and his mother, Francesca. Due to his mother’s poor health, Michelangelo was cared for by the wife of a stonecutter. “I sucked in the craft of hammer and chisel with my foster mother’s milk.”

Early Years in Renaissance Florence

At the age of 13, Michelangelo began to apprentice at the workshop, or bottega, of Domenico Ghirlandaio, an accomplished Florentine master of painting and sculpture. Michelangelo’s father did not greet the news with open arms, since he had hoped that his son would enter the more traditional Florentine professions of banking or mercantile trade. “When I told my father that I wish to be an artist, he flew into a rage, ‘Artists are laborers, no better than shoemakers.’ ”

Michelangelo remained a year with Maestro Ghirlandaio, and studied the art of fresco painting. Then he studied sculpture at the school of the Medici Gardens. It was at this time that he was invited into the house of Lorenzo de Medici, one of the most powerful families of Florence. Michelangelo spent time with two of Lorenzo’s sons, both of whom would later become Popes of the Roman Catholic Church: Leo X and Clement XII. It was also during this time that Michelangelo began to study human anatomy, even though it was against the official teachings of the Church to dissect cadavers.

In 1492, Lorenzo de Medici died, leaving the political and economic state of Florence in disarray. In 1494, Michelangelo left his beloved Florence, and ultimately ventured to Rome to further his studies of sculpture. His first work of note was called “Bacchus,” but he would become famous for another masterpiece. The “Pietà” (The Pity) was sculpted over a period of two years, and still remains in its original setting at St. Peter’s Basilica. This sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary holding her dead son Jesus across her lap. A few days after he finished the sculpture, he overheard a visitor saying that Cristoforo Solari of Lombard, a contemporary and rival, produced this work. Michelangelo, angrily, went into the Basilica one night, and signed his name to his masterpiece. It was the only work that he would ever sign. He viewed sculpture as a release of the figure that was trapped in the stone or marble. “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”

Creation of “David”

In 1501, Michelangelo returned to Florence, which had recently been proclaimed a republic. L’Arte della Lana, or the Wool Guild, commissioned Michelangelo to create the Biblical figure of David. He spent three years toiling over this magnificent beacon of the new Florentine Republic. This sculpture can be found at the Accademia in Florence.

When Julius II ascended to the Papacy, he requested many of the Florentine masters, such as Michelangelo and Raphael. Michelangelo was commissioned to create the tomb for Pope Julius II, although a more important project would always take precedence: The Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Although Michelangelo saw himself as a sculptor, he could not refuse the Holy Father. The original agreement was to paint the twelve apostles; however, Michelangelo decided to produce a grander project.

Sistine Chapel Ceiling

Beginning in 1508, Michelangelo spent four years, mostly on his back, painting over 300 figures that will endure for posterity. Only a few laborers assisted him to prepare these very large and beautiful frescoes. Michelangelo, who was known for a quick temper and rudeness, only showed the work in progress to the Pope, who was growing frustrated with the time to complete the project. “Buonarotti, when will it be finished? “Holiness, when I am finished.”

“I live in Hell, and paint its pictures.” Michelangelo completed the frescoes in 1512, although a year before, he did unveil the ceiling to awe inspiring gazes. He may have lived in Hell to produce this masterpiece, but certainly gave us a glimpse of Heaven. There was a book, along with a movie, made about this endeavor. It was called, “The Agony and the Ecstasy.”

After his time in Rome, he dedicated the rest of his long life to architectural projects, painting, sculpture, and defensive fortifications for the city of Florence. He created the tombs for Julius II, along with several prominent members of the Medici family. He also designed the new dome for St. Peter’s Basilica. He died in 1564, and his last words were, “I leave my soul to God, my body to the earth, and my material possessions to my nearest relations.”

References

(1) “The Reality of Machiavelli and Present Day Politicos,” by Dr. Ken Pennington, Catholic University of America.

“Michelangelo and the Creation of the Sistine Chapel,” by Robin Richmond.

“The Agony and the Ecstasy,” by Irving Stone.

Copyright © 2007 by Steve Amoia.

Niccolò Machiavelli was born on 03 May 1469 in the city-state of Florence, in what is now present day Italy. His father was named Bernardo, and was a lawyer by profession. His mother was named Bartolomea. If we examine the scope and detail of his future writings, he most likely studied Latin, military history, and classical literature during his scholastic years. He was a very educated and learned man.

Early Career

Not much is known about his youth; however, he lived during a time of significant political and social upheaval. Until they were expelled in 1474, the Medici family ruled the city-state of Florence with an iron hand. He was not a prince or nobility. He analyzed strategies of gaining power, but did not have positions of great influence. He observed with a keen understanding of human nature, along with the unique period of time (Renaissance Florence) when he lived.

When Florence returned to a Republic in 1474, Signor Machiavelli was employed in his first government position as a clerk. His intellect was recognized early, and he was appointed to a special council for diplomatic and military affairs. Both would become keen interests for the rest of his life. Beginning in 1499, and for many years to follow, he was sent as a diplomat to Spain, France, and the Vatican. He would confer with King Ferdinand of Aragon, King Louis XII, and Pope Julius II (who in those days was also a military commander). During these travels, he held the official titles of Secretary of the Second Chancery, along with Secretary to the Ten of Liberty and Peace. For students of American politics, parallels with the name of “Secretary” may be seen in members of the President’s Cabinet.

From 1503 to 1506, Signor Machiavelli was the head of the Florentine militia whose task was to guard the city. He would later write about this period in his I Discorsi (The Discourses), along with his strong feelings against mercenaries. Due to his foreign travels, along with his exposure to the inner workings of the Florentine Republic, he was able to observe important people and events. These experiences would later serve as the source for his famous writings.

Arrested by the Medici Family

When the Medici returned to power in 1512, Machiavelli’s life changed dramatically. The Republic of Florence ended, and Machiavelli was arrested under the charge of conspiracy against the Medici family. He was tortured, in the manner of that day, on the dreaded rack. He pleaded his innocence, and was later exonerated. From that point, his world was not of Kings and Popes. It became one of voluntary solitude and exile from his former life; however, it became a period when he would write his treasures of literature.

“When evening comes, I return home [from work and from the local tavern] and go to my study. On the threshold I strip naked, taking off my muddy, sweaty workday clothes, and put on the robes of court and palace, and in this graver dress I enter the courts of the ancients and am welcomed by them, and there I taste the food that alone is mine, and for which I was born. And there I make bold to speak to them and ask the motives of their actions, and they, in their humanity reply to me. And for the space of four hours I forget the world, remember no vexation, fear poverty no more, tremble no more at death; I pass indeed into their world.” (1)

In 1515, he finished “Il Principe,” which would become his calling card in World History. He dedicated the book to Lorenzo il Magnifico (the Magnificent), who was the grandson of Cosimo the Elder. Ironically, in 1520, he would be given a commission by the Medici’s to write the history of Florence. This project took him five years to complete, and was called “Le Istorie Fiorentine.” Two years later, he died in his beloved Florence.

Prolific Writer

Here is a list of some of his most famous works:

The Art of War (L’arte della Guerra) 1519-1520. Theme: War and military tactics.

The Discourses of the first Ten Books of Titus Livius (I Discorsi sopra la prima deca di Tito Livio), 1512-1517, 3 volumes. Theme: How to form and manage a republic.

The Discourse of the Reformation of the State of Florence. (Discorso sopra il riformare lo stato di Firenze), 1520. Theme: Reformation of Florence.

The Florentine Histories (Le Istorie Fiorentine) 1521-1525. Commissioned by the Medici Family. Theme: Detailed history spanning over 1000 years of Florentine history.

The Mandrake Root (La Mandragola), 1513. Theme: A comedic novel.

The Prince (Il Principe) 1515. His seminal work in terms of popularity and analytical discussion. Theme: Realistic advice for a prince, political leader, or those who aspire to be. This book has a primary emphasis upon principalities. Ironically, he dedicated this book to Lorenzo the Magnificent (Medici). He never held a position of power with the Medici family.

“Nor do I hold with those who regard it as a presumption if a man of low and humble condition dare to discuss and settle the concerns of princes; because, just as those who draw landscapes place themselves below in the plain to contemplate the nature of the mountains and of lofty places, and in order to contemplate the plains place themselves upon high mountains, even so to understand the nature of the people it needs to be a prince, and to understand that of princes it needs to be of the people.”

The Prince, translated by W. K. Marriott: Dedication.

“Nasce da questo una disputa, s’e’ gli è meglio essere amato che temuto o e converso. Rispondesi che si vorrebbe essere l’uno e l’altro; ma perché e’ gli è difficile accozzarli insieme, è molto più sicuro essere temuto che amato, quando si abbi a mancare dell’uno de’ dua.”

Il Principe, XVII.

Born of this a quarrel, is it better to be loved than feared or the converse. You could say that it would be better to be both: but because it is difficult to bring them together, it is much more safer to be feared than loved, when one has to lack either of the two.

The Prince, Chapter 17, translated by Steve Amoia.

Advisor. Behavioral analyst. Brilliant writer. Clerk. Counselor. Diplomat. Friend and foe of the Medici. Military Historian. Observer of the human condition. Philosopher. Playright. Poet. Political observer. Republican. A true son of Florence. During his life, Signor Machiavelli wore many hats. It is my intent that we attempt to examine many of them. At times, I will quote from the original Italian, and translate it to English. I am not a professional translator; however, regardless of the language, we form our own opinions. Ten of us could read the same passage and render ten different interpretations. Sometimes, we in the English speaking world forget that our tongue is just one of many around the globe. In this particular case, we have the opportunity to examine the works of a great writer from his native language. We can see his own words as he penned them almost five hundred years ago.

I encourage you to provide your own thoughts about one of the first Renaissance men, Niccolò Machiavelli. As we will see, he was much more than the famous quote referenced above.

References

(1) Niccolò Machiavelli: Wikipedia.

Background information: Machiavelli on the Net by Timo Laine. I would encourage you to visit this excellent resource.

Copyright © 2007 by Steve Amoia.