Tadea of Austria

At the table

Daily meals for poor families

Poor Florentine families typically ate three modest daily meals: bread soaked in wine upon waking, a midday lunch, and dinner after sunset. Saltless bread was the foundational staple for every meal, supplemented by affordable vegetables like onions, fava beans, and black cabbage.

What people wore

Lavish gift of a priestly vestment

In 1514, a diplomatic gift to the Pope included a priestly vestment embroidered with pearls and precious stones, valued at over 25,000 ducats.

Getting around

River transport between Florence and Pisa

Travel by river between Florence and Pisa took at least two days under optimal conditions, often relying on wind, poles, or being towed from the bank by men and animals. Boats were frequently stopped by tolls, weather, or natural obstacles like weirs.

What it cost

Meat prices during crisis periods

During times of crisis, a pound of veal cost between 40 and 50 soldi, while donkey meat was available for one carlino.

Music

Religious Choirs and Musical Recycling

Devotional companies known as laudesi sang monophonic laude in veneration of the Virgin Mary, and by 1500, they frequently performed three- or four-part polyphony. These groups often recycled melodies from secular carnival songs for their religious hymns, a process known as contrafacture.

Daily life

Dining arrangements in the home

Florentine homes lacked dedicated dining rooms; instead, tables were set up wherever convenient, such as in front of a fireplace during winter. Food was passed to diners who sat only on one side of the table.