Abstract
Analyzes 32 account books kept by Florentine weaver of silks and brocades Iacopo di Tedesco (d. 1548) during his working life, 1490-1539, as well as his nine years of retirement. The books recount the activities of nine of the ten partnerships he participated in as well as his personal income and expenditures. Since weaving constituted the most expensive part of the production process and since Tedesco and his enterprises concentrated on high-quality products, he contributed greatly to the economic development of his city by generating a highly skilled workforce and valuable products for sale at high prices. Unfortunately, he also employed large numbers of low-skilled, low-wage workers whose lot in life and contribution to the economy were less enviable. In this, the silk industry contrasted starkly with the contemporary Florentine wool industry. After Tedesco's retirement, the silk industry underwent a change making it more like the wool industry, producing simpler, low-end material and leveling the skill level of the workforce.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
