Oil and Marble: A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo

Oil and Marble is set in Renaissance Florence. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, Florence underwent a remarkable transformation that positioned it at the heart of a new era in art, science, and human thought. The city produced or attracted many significant artists of the time, including Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, and Donatello. This stemmed from a unique convergence of economic, political, intellectual, and cultural conditions that made Florence the ideal incubator for artistic innovation.

By the late Middle Ages, Florence was a wealthy commercial hub because of its textile industry and international banking network. The Medici family, one of the richest and most powerful banking dynasties in Europe, used its immense wealth to sponsor artists, architects, and intellectuals. Their patronage created a fertile environment for art to thrive. Lorenzo de’ Medici, known as “Lorenzo the Magnificent,” was especially instrumental in supporting figures like Botticelli and the young Michelangelo. Patronage in Florence wasn’t limited to the Medici family, however. The Church, guilds, and private individuals commissioned artworks for public buildings, chapels, and homes. This demand for decoration and innovation spurred artistic competition and encouraged technical excellence and originality.

In addition, Florence’s political structure contributed to its artistic achievements.