August 25, 2025

Machiavelli in Love: Sex, Self, and Society in the Italian Renaissance

16 minutes

Explores Renaissance Florence, focusing on the intersection of sex, self, and society, particularly through the lens of Niccolò Machiavelli's life and works. It examines how sexual identity was constructed and perceived within this historical period, often differing significantly from modern understandings. The text also analyzes the concept of "virtù", a crucial term that encompasses skill, honor, and moral strength, demonstrating its pervasive influence on social evaluation and individual behavior. Through discussions of comedies, letters, and judicial documents, the author illustrates the complex interplay of public and private lives, illicit pleasures, and societal expectations in shaping identity and power dynamics during the Italian Renaissance.

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