Cosimo II de' Medici

What people wore

Artisans Kept Festive Clothes in Chests

Artisan families often owned a modest wardrobe, such as two or three sets of clothes kept in chests, including fine garments reserved for Sundays and festive occasions.

Daily life

Schooling for children in Savoy towns

Towns such as Chambery and Montmelian paid schoolmasters, supported by ecclesiastical institutions or private patronage.

News and letters

Improved speed of mail delivery

Thanks to improved efficiency, mail sent by the ordinary service that previously took two weeks could reach its destination in just five days.

Music

The Popular Pavane Dance

The solemn, slow-moving pavane was a popular dance used by nobles for grand entries and festivities, often accompanied by drums, oboes, trombones, and violins.

What it cost

Strict grain purchase limits during famine

During the famine of 1590–1593, daily purchases were restricted by law to prevent speculation; for instance, deals involving more than 4.7 kg of grain were strictly prohibited.

Getting around

Daily travel distances varied significantly

Travelers generally covered between 20 and 40 kilometers per day, though this varied greatly depending on terrain, weather, and the individual's social status.

Work

Incentives for skilled workers

Duke Emmanuel Philibert offered ten-year tax exemptions to attract foreign artisans and professionals who could teach their technical skills to local subjects. Additionally, charity institutions sometimes trained poor individuals, allowing them to gain skills and potentially join guilds under favorable conditions.