. . . a novel written by Marina Fioroto, is a story about "secrets" embedded in Botticelli's famous painting. The painting tells, in allegory, the story of a sinister high-level conspiracy among the rulers of the Italian city-states at the end of the 15th century. A fascinating book on many levels, and one I can't wait to re-read. It's sitting in my "library" in Florence, and I will re-visit it soon.
In the years following the Pazzi Conspiracy, there was a fragile peace established amongst the major Italian city-states, which were Florence, Venice, Milan, Naples and Rome. Much of Lorenzo's time and attention was spent keeping the powers balanced. He even traveled to Naples to negotiate with King Ferdinand directly, knowing full well that at any time the King could have turned him over to his enemy the Pope, had the King been so inclined.
In any event, today is an appropriate day to contemplate "The Primavera," or "Spring."
