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Risky Business: Commissioning Portraits in Renaissance Italy

Author

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  • Nelson, Jonathan K.

    (Syracuse University Florence and Harvard Kennedy School)

  • Zeckhauser, Richard

    (Harvard Kennedy School)

Abstract

Portraits served as a form of social media in the Renaissance. Prominent individuals commissioned portraits to convey their accomplishments and relationships, not merely their images. Political and church leaders, in particular, used the images to bolster their role, but these commissioned works entailed risks, importantly including risks to reputation. A portrait could be unflattering or unrecognizable. It could also be judged to be indecorous, especially if the portrait was perceived as an attempt to elevate an individual above his or her station.

Suggested Citation

  • Nelson, Jonathan K. & Zeckhauser, Richard, 2019. "Risky Business: Commissioning Portraits in Renaissance Italy," Working Paper Series rwp19-024, Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecl:harjfk:rwp19-024
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