Creating magnificence in Renaissance Florence

"The argument presented here repositions what has been called the 'theory of magnificence' and places it firmly within a theological framework. From the early fourteenth century onwards, Dominicans, influenced in particular by Thomas Aquinas's students and writings, disseminated Aristotle's ideas, especially by way of the pulpit. In particular, Aristotle's thoughts on 'magnificence', re-conceived as a Christian virtue, became a persuasive justification and powerful inducement when translated into material representations."--Foreword, page 10.