Business records, ca. 1400-1600 (inclusive) [microform].

ArchivalResource

Medici family. Business records, ca. 1400-1600 (inclusive) [microform].

Business records, ca. 1400-1600 (inclusive) [microform].

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/269600911

These records cover the activities of several generations of one family and one firm devoted largely to the manufacture of wool. They cover a period of great significance in the history of international trade, a period which also marked the acme and decline of the wool industry in Florence. The collection falls into three groups: account books, letter books, and letters. The account books include ca. 136 volumes, and belong for the most part to the firm of Medici & Company, merchant-employers, a firm established in 1431 and continuing until 1579. The entries record the management of estates, and the sale and purchase of raw wool, finished cloth, Spanish leather, works of art, land, and houses. The 4 letter books cover the years from 1500 to 1521 in unbroken sequence and contain copies of the letters written by Francesco de Medici and his son Raffaello to their agents in Italy and France, as well as copies of letters written by Giovanni di Francesco Maringhi (later associated with them in business) to his principals in Florence. These letters are copies of business correspondence and are concerned for the most part with shipments and sales of merchandise. The unbound letters include a few written to Cosimo de Medici; a much larger number written by Lorenzo the Magnificent to Pietro Alamanni, Florentine ambassador; and even more written by the order of the Otto di Pratica to Alamanni.

15 linear ft. (144 v.)

Harvard Business School, Knowledge and Library Services/Baker Library