Whatever became of the Signoria (governing council composed of the guilds) in Firenze (Florence) that dominated the way things were done during the Renaissance?
It continued to exist up until 1532, although for much of the time in its final century or so it simply did the bidding of the de facto Medici rulers of Florence, who sometimes held public office and sometimes didn’t, but ran the show nevertheless.
It was abolished by the Constitution of 1532 which created the Duchy of Florence with the Medici as hereditary Dukes (later Grand Dukes). There was an elected council to advice the Duke but it was called the consigliere, not the signoria.
what’s the meaning of “consigliere” and “signora”?
I’m guessing “consigliere” is a cognate of “council”?
Consiglio is indeed cognate with council; consigliere is councilor. Signoria would usually be translated as “the lords”, “the masters” or “the nobility” but in this case as “the guildmasters”; signor (signora if a woman) would mean lord or master, or in this specific case, guildmaster.
Thanks, Nava!
Isn’t consigliere also a mafioso term? Is the meaning different within that context?
It just means ‘counsel’, ie, an advisor to the person in charge, whether that’s a Medici Duke or a mafiosi godfather.
I think it’s a fair bet that if the Firenze Signoria is made by Fiat it’s probably unreliable, and if it’s made by Ferrari it’s overpriced. 