Niccolò Machiavelli (1469 - 1527)

Niccolò Machiavelli (1469 - 1527) - photo 1

Niccolò Machiavelli

Niccolò di Bernardo Machiavelli was an Italian philosopher, politician and diplomat, historian and Renaissance writer.

As a young man, Niccolò Machiavelli faced financial difficulties due to his father's debts, but had access to a rich library. Machiavelli's early life and career began during a period of political upheaval in Italy. After the expulsion of the Medici family in 1494, for 14 years Niccolo Machiavelli served as a diplomat to the Florentine Republic. During this service, he gained a reputation as a cunning and unconventional thinker. However, when the Medici returned to power in 1512, Machiavelli was dismissed, imprisoned, and temporarily removed from political life.

During this period Machiavelli wrote his famous work The Sovereign, which has become one of the key works in the history of political philosophy. This book epitomizes the Machiavellian approach to politics, where the means justify the end, and where a leader should use any method to consolidate his power. The treatise drew criticism from the Pope, who condemned it for supporting rule through deceit and fear. Nevertheless, The Sovereign is still an important work of political literature, and Machiavelli has come to be called "the father of modern political theory."

Machiavelli lived the rest of his life in a small village near Florence, where he continued his creative endeavors, writing On the Art of War, as well as poems and plays. His literary legacy has become an integral part of the history of political philosophy.

Date and place of birt:3 may 1469, Florence, Italy
Date and place of death:21 june 1527, Florence, Italy
Period of activity: XV, XVI century
Specialization:Diplomat, Historian, Philosopher, Politician, Writer
Art style:High Renaissance, Renaissance

Creators High Renaissance

Michele Tosini (1503 - 1577)
Michele Tosini
1503 - 1577
Philippe de Gueldre (XV century - XVI century)
Philippe de Gueldre
XV century - XVI century
Jan van Eyck (1390 - 1441)
Jan van Eyck
1390 - 1441
Cornelis Cort (1533 - 1578)
Cornelis Cort
1533 - 1578
Bartholomäus Zeitblom (1460 - 1519)
Bartholomäus Zeitblom
1460 - 1519
Giovanni Carnovali (1804 - 1873)
Giovanni Carnovali
1804 - 1873
Hans Boxberger (1510 - 1561)
Hans Boxberger
1510 - 1561
Vincenzo Tamagni (1492 - 1530)
Vincenzo Tamagni
1492 - 1530
Benedetto Bordone (XV century - 1531)
Benedetto Bordone
XV century - 1531
Bernardino Baldi (1553 - 1617)
Bernardino Baldi
1553 - 1617
Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi (1386 - 1466)
Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi
1386 - 1466
Bernard van Orley (1488 - 1541)
Bernard van Orley
1488 - 1541
Francesco del Cossa (1436 - 1478)
Francesco del Cossa
1436 - 1478
Giovanni Bellini (1430 - 1516)
Giovanni Bellini
1430 - 1516
Jean de La Fontaine (1621 - 1695)
Jean de La Fontaine
1621 - 1695
Bernardo Daddi (1280 - 1348)
Bernardo Daddi
1280 - 1348