De iciarchia

dialogue by Alberti

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June 25, 2026

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De iciarchia is a dialogue by Leon Battista Alberti, an influential figure of the Renaissance and a true "universal man". Written near the end of his life, this work embodies the ideals of civic humanism and the union of theory and practice that characterized Florentine humanism.1

The dialogue, written in vernacular Tuscan, features Alberti himself as a protagonist, discussing the qualities of an excellent man and ruler of his family. It reflects Alberti's belief in the importance of work, public service, and the application of knowledge to practical life. This work showcases Alberti's commitment to making classical wisdom accessible to a broader urban audience, moving beyond purely academic pursuits.123

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Leon Battista Alberti
Contribution to philosophy, science, and the arts of Leon Battista Alberti
…the princely Lorenzo de’ Medici, De iciarchia (“On the Man of Excellence and Ruler of His Family”) represents in full flower the public-spirited Humanism of the earlier bourgeois age to which he belonged. Alberti is its chief protagonist, and no more appropriate figure is conceivable. For this dialogue, more than…
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…the princely Lorenzo de’ Medici, De iciarchia (“On the Man of Excellence and Ruler of His Family”) represents in full flower the public-spirited Humanism of the earlier bourgeois age to which he belonged. Alberti is its chief protagonist, and no more appropriate figure is conceivable. For this dialogue, more than…
Read More