The Materiality of Marriage in the Artisan Community of Renaissance Verona

Artisans and their families in sixteenth-century Verona played an active role in the burgeoning market for consumer goods, challenging the notion that only the wealthy influenced such markets. Through an analysis of 100 dotal inventories—previously underused sources—the study reveals that artisans owned vast numbers of commodities that were practical, luxurious, and devotional, enhancing both comfort and splendor in households. This research demonstrates how material culture can shed light on the non-noble classes during the Renaissance, contributing to a broader understanding of consumer behavior beyond elite circles.

FARRELL, Z. (2019). THE MATERIALITY OF MARRIAGE IN THE ARTISAN COMMUNITY OF RENAISSANCE VERONA. The Historical Journal, 63(2), 243–266. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0018246x19000335