Provenance and Possession

Provenance and PossessionDiscover a groundbreaking exploration in K. J. P. Lowe's latest work, *Provenance and Possession*. This thought provoking study, published by Princeton University Press, delves deep into the complexities of global exchange during the Renaissance, focusing on the critical yet overlooked knowledge of provenance. Through meticulous case studies set in 15th and 16th century Florence and Rome, Lowe reveals how the Italian elite's emphasis on possession

Discover a groundbreaking exploration in K.J.P. Lowe's latest work, *Provenance and Possession*. This thought-provoking study, published by Princeton University Press, delves deep into the complexities of global exchange during the Renaissance, focusing on the critical yet overlooked knowledge of provenance. Through meticulous case studies set in 15th and 16th century Florence and Rome, Lowe reveals how the Italian elite's emphasis on possession often overshadowed the rich histories behind their exotic acquisitions. Readers will find engaging analyses of ledger entries, journals, and private correspondence that illuminate the generational disconnect between goods and their origins, particularly in the context of the Portuguese trading empire. As diverse luxury items and even enslaved individuals flowed into Italy, the geographic narratives of these imports frequently vanished at sea, leaving behind a culture more concerned with ownership than origin. This engaging narrative addresses fundamental questions about knowledge formation, historical documentation, and the societal implications of valuing possession over context. Perfect for historians, scholars, and anyone intrigued by the intersections of trade, culture, and identity in a transformative era, *Provenance and Possession* is essential reading that challenges conventional historical perspectives and encourages a deeper understanding of globalization and its legacy.