Botticelli, Savonarola, and the Politics of Late Quattrocento Florence

Aggeus, Sermon XIII - 12 December 1494

Fra Girolamo Savaonarola's De Simplicitate Christianae Vitae, 1615

The Dominican Friar’s message is overtly more political in his Aggeus, Sermon XIII given on the third Sunday of Advent, 12 December 1494. He promptly mentions the need for government and the ideal form of governance for people. Fra Girolamo Savonarola notes that being ruled under a single leader is the best form of government only when that leader is good. Therefore, one singular person creates unity and maintains control of their territory.  However, this sentiment is quickly followed by a warning, which most likely alludes to Florence: “But when that one leader is wicked, there is no worse government and form of rule, since the worst is the opposite of the best.”[1] Italy was rife with ambitious and shrewd men who want to possess absolute authority rather than showing passive submission.[2] “From this, then” Savonarola preaches, “arise the dissension and discord among the citizens of the city, where one wants to make himself great and dominate the others.”[3] Florence was no stranger to this, and Savonarola reminds his listeners of it. He turns to theologians, namely Thomas Aquinas, when stating that in areas where the rule of one leader is difficult, a government led by the majority is preferable. To solidify his position as a divine messenger, Savonarola likens himself to a sealed vessel containing secrets which tries to boil forth but cannot. The reason he was unable to do so was because he felt they were not ready to hear the uncertain and hidden things that God had revealed to him.[4] For Florence to be spiritually and temporally reformed, its people need to heed Savonarola’s advice[5]. Following God’s will would enable them to break free from old habits which threaten the salvation of the city.

         Contemporary historians, like Francesco Guicciardini, referenced the tyrannical nature of Florence at this time. In addition to reiterating this observation of Florentine politics, Savonarola sets the stage to explain why this old form of government needs to change. Understanding that politics was closely tied to religion in Renaissance Florence, he shares another promise with his listeners: “Florence will become richer and more powerful than she has ever been, and her empire will expand into many places.”[6] Reforming the church and its government will allow Florence to become richer both spiritually and politically, thus expanding its influence and power in Italy. This reform would also ensure that both groups lived and practiced according to the teachings and will of God, as He is calling for this change. While Savonarola shares many of his visions and divine messages with his followers, he takes this opportunity to plea to God that their hearts may be opened so that they understand “those things which are in me and which You have revealed and shown to me”.[7] This works to demonstrate that in their current state, the Florentines are not able to fully comprehend God’s divine plan without following the instructions previously laid out for them.

         Savonarola outlines the preferred relationship between religion and government for Florentines by stating “that every government and every kingdom, the more spiritual it is, the stronger and more powerful it is, and the less spiritual it is, the weaker and more infirm it is.”[8] His unique role overhauling the church and government of Florence has now been made clear, and moreover, he has also presented the people with his ideal plan. Savonarola positions himself as the link between spiritual and secular powers to help Florence prosper.[9] The opposite of divine purity and grace is secular vice and evil. The latter alludes to the current state of Florence, the “brink of destruction”[10] the city had been brought to, while the former imagines what it could be if Savonarola’s instructions are followed.

On the border of warning and threatening, he makes it clear that the success of their government is dependent on “living uprightly”.[11] After addressing the clergy and the Signoria[12], Savonarola speaks at length about tyrants and tyranny. Citizens should not seek offices or status unless they are granted and those who do occupy these positions should use them for the good of others, not themselves. The removal of tyranny is a necessity. Savonarola carefully articulates what life is like under the rule of a tyrant in order to stir the emotions of his listeners. Without mentioning them by name, he makes a clear reference to the Medici: “Therefore, when God wants to show mercy, He expels the tyrant.”[13] Less than a month had passed since the Medici’s exile from Florence in November 1494. It can be understood, then, that God’s divine justice was enacted via the punishment and expulsion of Florence’s masters. This moment, according to Savonarola, was another favour that was granted to Florence to save it from ruin.