Francis IV of Modena

At the table

Leftover Bread Soup Traditions

Peasants commonly prepared large pots of vegetable and bread soup, specifically adhering to meatless diets on Fridays. Leftover soup was often reboiled with bread in the following days to create ribollita.

What people wore

Daily Versus Festive Attire

The clothing construction was strictly dictated by social customs, with differences between daily wear and festive attire being more pronounced in women's clothing than in men's. Elaborate decorations such as embroidery and fine ornaments were significantly more abundant on garments worn during religious festivities and celebrations.

Getting around

Walking or riding donkeys for travel

Ordinary people typically traveled to work in fields on foot or by using donkeys, as there were no roads in many rural areas.

What it cost

Price of butcher's meat

Butcher's meat in Nice generally sold for 3 sols per pound, though the local pound was only twelve ounces.

Music

Handel's music in Florence

Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo supported Handel's vocal music, and his collection included manuscript scores of works like Alexander's Feast and Judas Maccabaeus.

Daily life

Schools and Student Life

State-run schools for girls taught reading, writing, arithmetic, and textile work, with deserving students eligible for a substantial dowry of 140 scudi after eight years. Pupils were required to maintain absolute silence and were corrected with zeal and charity if they showed negligence or inappropriate behavior.