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Ospedale Degli Innocenti

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The Ospedale degli Innocenti was considered an architectural and humanistic milestone. The building was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, which he commissioned in 1419. This building was constructed and managed by the silk merchants of the Guild of Florence. One of the duties provided by the Guilds of Florence was to not only provide cloth, but to fulfill philanthropic duties throughout the city. Their intentions for the construction of this building was more than just a safe haven for orphans. “The establishment of charity on this magnificent scale came out of a society, economy, and culture.” (Gavitt, 1). This would mean that the function of the establishment would not only provide shelter for orphans, but to help the future of the city’s …show more content…

This building was constructed and designed by a member of the Silk Workers Guild named Filippo Brunelleschi. A famous historian, Giorgio Vasari, explains how Brunelleschi “drew up a model for the house and loggia of the Innocenti with his own hands” and that the model was kept “in the audience of the Guild headquarters where it was much valued.” Brunelleschi knows that the placement and design of this establishment helped spread awareness throughout the Guild and the city; which ultimately helped obtain donations for the construction of the Hospital. According to records, Brunelleschi turned over his head responsibilities to his friend and pupil, Francesco della Luna. January 25th 1445, was the official opening of the institution, even though the construction was not yet complete. The official commencement of the Hospital gathered the entire city together; including the city’s governors, the Silk Merchants Guild, the Papal legate, Paolo Sanfelice, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, and a huge crowd of citizens. The celebration of the opening began with a blessing. The overwhelming amount of joy and happiness that was spread among the city further persuaded people to donate their lives and time to work for the institution to help it grow and

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