Treatise on Arithmetic of Lorenzo the Magnificent

The Treatise on Arithmetic of Lorenzo I de Medici, named the Magnificent, probably served as an instructional book for his son Giovanni, the later Pope Leo X. The Medici were hegemonic in their banking prowess, and so it is fitting that their banking and arithmetic should be handed down. The magnificently decorated manuscript contains a treatise on arithmetic and geometry by Filippo Calandri, which prepend several panels with singular paintings of one or more numbers. This mathematical work is, like its countless miniatures in the text, overflowing with ornaments, figurative depictions, and, above all, the Medici Coat of Arms. Everything shines with precious gold. Thus, this edition, which was printed in Florence in 1491, represents a singular luxury object that subordinates its didactic utility to the artistic phenomenon.

A Medici Contract

The famous patron of the manuscript, Lorenzo I. de Medici (1449–1492), the famous member of the influential Medici dynasty in Florence, was also a patron of art. Banking is unquestionably connected to the Medici. They founded a modern system of banking, which was ruled by them, and were even the bankers of the Popes. Lorenzo’s son Giovanni, the later Pope Leo X, would have been made familiar with banking and arithmetic lessons through this manuscript, as well as gaining a humanistic education.

Golden Images for a Mathematical Education

Throughout the 100 pages of the manuscript, a 17 x 12 cm format collections the in 230 wonderful miniatures altogether. Next to the artful initials with exquisite leaflet work and in bright colors, the whole-page tables for calculations are sure to impress. The columns of figures are noted in bright red, blue, or green, and in golden writing. However, these are almost lost in the pageantry of the pages. Built like an altar with a predella with figurative depictions, e.g. musical cherubs, the arithmetic tables are decorated all over with ornamentation. Floral tendrils on the edges surround small cherubs, and the luminous Medici Coat of Arms is visible everywhere. A few special text pages are designed in this fantastic manner, with borders of manifold ornamentation, classical forms, and mythological figures. Next to these whole page depictions, the text contains countless figurative illustrations, which are often scenes of everyday life, laborers at work, but also historical events. The various figures bustle about in partially perspective spaces. The marginal illustrations present with didactic intention the handling of money and goods as well as the problems with the activity of a merchant, which are mentioned in the text.

A Luxurious Object of the Late 15th Century

The manuscript is allegedly from Florence at the end of 15th century. In the year 1491, the Treatise on Arithmetic and Geometry was printed by Filippo Calandri, with a dedication to Giuliano de Medici, a later son of Lorenzo the Magnificent. With its extensive pictorial decorations, the superb manuscript-edition of this arithmetic treatise appears to have been more of a luxury object than a practical textbook. Written in Italian with Arabic numerals, this manuscript was on the cutting edge of its time. As for the artist of the miniatures, the Italian miniaturist Giovanni Boccardo, also known as Boccardino il Vecchio, was responsible. He would later also work for Pope Leo X. In recent research, it is speculated, that two different artists contributed to the book project, perhaps in the style of Francesco di Antonio del Chierico – which is similar to the Book of Hours of Lorenzo the Magnificent – the other in the style of Gherardo di Giovannis and Pedro Berrunguetes.