 The
words Art and Artisan have the same root, and it was not by chance
that until the 1400s, when art, sculpture and architecture were detached
from the artisan sphere, there was no distinction made between the artist
and the artisan.
Already by the Medieval period in Toscana Art had a decisive importance
both for the economy and for its aspect socially.
In Firenze in the 1200s the Arts were united in official Corporations,
subdivided in Major Art and Minor Art.
The life of the Art Corporations was complex and over the years suffered
modifications by numerous laws, until they were abolished in the 1700s.
To understand the importance of the artisan in Toscana, it is enough to
see the quantity of religious and private buildings which were
built starting from the 1300s, the interior of these are decorated and
furnished with paintings, furniture and refined fittings, coming from
the workshops of Toscana artisans, who managed alone to supply the multiple
requests for manufacture.
A curiosity: in the past, instead of availing themselves of the exportation
of their manufacture, the artisan transferred himself abroad for
several years; in the same way also in Firenze around the 1500s celebrated
Nordic artisans arrived, especially Flemish, called by the Medici to beautify
their residences.
The Toscana artisans always more “artist” are even today among
the most famous in the world for the execution of valued goods, just think
of the majolica, the silver, the fabrics and all the other refined objects
which came from our workshops to reach the luxury markets in all the world.
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