Confirmation of the Rule 1485

Domenico Ghirlandaio created “Confirmation of the Rule” during the Italian Renaissance, a period marked by a renewed interest in classical antiquity, and profound shifts in art, science, and religion. This work freezes a moment of solemn, institutional approval, yet it also offers a glimpse into the intricate social fabric of Renaissance Florence. It is not just an affirmation of religious doctrine, but a study in power, class, and community identity. Who is granted authority and who is not? Who is in the inner circle and who is on the margins? Consider the role of the patron in shaping this narrative. The wealthy elite of Florence, like those who commissioned Ghirlandaio, had a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. Their patronage helped define the aesthetic and ideological landscape of the era. What stories get told, and how? In its depiction of Renaissance society, the painting mirrors the hierarchies and values of its time, and invites us to critically examine the stories we tell ourselves about history and power.