The Controversial Relationship: Angelo Poliziano and Lorenzo de' Medici
Introduction
Was there something more than a professional and personal relationship between Angelo Poliziano and Lorenzo de' Medici during the Medici Renaissance? This is a topic that has sparked considerable debate among historians and scholars. While there is no concrete evidence to confirm or deny their romantic connection, the abundance of hitherto controversial clues suggests a deeper emotional and romantic involvement. Let's delve into the details that ignite this controversy.
Evidence of Closeness
It is undeniable that Poliziano and Lorenzo enjoyed a close and productive relationship. Their collaboration was not merely professional, but also personal, indicating a strong bond that may have transcended mere friendship. Poliziano was a member of Lorenzo's brigata (group of friends), and was often referred to as 'compare' (comrade) by other members of the circle.
Homoerotic Interests
Poliziano's interest in homoeroticism was a well-known fact, evidenced by accusations made by contemporaries and his own work. His poetry, such as the Fabula di Orfeo and some of his Latin and Greek epigrams, is replete with homoerotic themes. Additionally, he faced accusations of sodomy, leading to his appearance before the Night Officers of Florence, the Florentine magistracy responsible for prosecuting such allegations. However, the evidence regarding Lorenzo's interest in such matters is less clear.
Lessons from Contemporaries
Machiavelli noted that Lorenzo was 'wonderfully involved in amorous matters' but did not name his lovers. Similarly, Guicciardini mentioned only one, Bartolomea de' Nasi, a Florentine woman. The prevalence of homoerotic behavior among Florentine males in the Renaissance era suggests it was not uncommon for Lorenzo to have his own experiences, possibly in his youth.
Speculations Based on Poetic Evidence
The tone of Poliziano's poetry for Lorenzo suggests something more than platonic admiration. Some poems transcend the conventions of courtly flattery, verging on the realms of love poetry. For example, an epigram praising Lorenzo's eyes, a common trope in Tuscan love poetry, and his funeral ode where he compares himself to a widowed turtledove and a dying swan, reflecting the swan's death only when its partner dies, provide further insight into their emotional connection.
A Significant Falling Out
A pivotal moment in their relationship occurred in 1479 when Poliziano had a dispute with Lorenzo's wife, Clarice, who evicted him from the family's villa. When Lorenzo relocated Poliziano to a different villa in Fiesole, Clarice was clearly upset, as evidenced by her letter: 'it is important to me ... that messer Agnolo is not able to claim that he was in your house in spite of me and that you placed him in your bedroom in Fiesole'. The allusiveness of this statement is notable.
Historical Scholars' Views
According to scholars, Poliziano likely had a romantic crush on Lorenzo, but Lorenzo may not have reciprocated. However, the idea that Lorenzo kept Poliziano so close and allowed him to live in his house if he knew Poliziano was head over heels for him seems unusual. An exception would likely require some form of encouragement from Lorenzo himself.
Further Reading
Close Readers: Humanism and Sodomy in Early Modern England by N. A. Stewart (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1993), chapter 1 on Poliziano and Lorenzo, provides a detailed analysis of their relationship. Angelo Poliziano “compare” della brigata laurenziana by P. Orvieto (Lettere Italiane, vol. 25 n. 3, July-September 1973) focuses on their friendship. Poliziano e l'ambiente mediceo by P. Orvieto (Roma: Salerno Editrice, 2009) offers a comprehensive biography of Poliziano, including insights into his sexuality. Things Left Unsaid by S. Butler (I Tatti studies in the Italian Renaissance, vol. 21 n. 2, fall 2018) offers valuable thoughts on homoeroticism in Poliziano's works. Love and Marriage: Emotion and Sexuality in the Early Medici Family by K. Burch (Carte italiane, 121, 2019) provides some insightful analyses of Lorenzo's relationship with Poliziano, despite the author's caveats about some of the article's content. Magnifico. The Brilliant Life and Violent Times of Lorenzo de' Medici by M. J. Unger (NYC: Simon and Schuster, 2009) offers a basic, if not scholarly, biography of Lorenzo and mentions the possibility of his having male lovers, including Poliziano.
Conclusion
While we can never know for certain, the evidence suggests a romantic interest on Poliziano's part and a deep emotional connection with Lorenzo de' Medici. Despite differing views among scholars, the controversy remains, offering a fascinating glimpse into the human dynamics of the Medici Renaissance.