In the heart of seventeenth-century Florence, a city of confraternities, guilds, and political powers, there existed a surprising and lively parallel world: the Hunting Companies in Florence. These were not just groups of hunting enthusiasts, but real social brigades capable of gathering thousands of members and influencing the life of the city with theatrical gestures, playful rivalries, and public celebrations.
The Origins of the Companies
Among the most famous of these groups were the Piattelli and the Piacevoli, two companies that distinguished themselves for their originality, their impressive number of members, and for memorable episodes that still make us smile today.
The Compagnia dei Piattelli took its name from a scale-maker, famous for eating with his friends from the same plate. This small but symbolic act represented sharing, brotherhood, and convivial spirit.
On the other hand, the Piacevoli were born from an internal split within the Piattelli. Surprisingly, the cause of the break was culinary disagreements—proof that food, so central to Florentine culture, could even spark new communities.
An Unexpected Popularity
The Hunting Companies in Florence could count up to ten thousand members—a number almost incredible today. Their popularity was extraordinary, and unlike the official confraternities, they also welcomed artisans who were often excluded because of the modesty of their craft.
Here, however, these men found recognition, social redemption, and community through hunting events that became true collective celebrations.
The Legendary Rivalry
One of the most famous episodes was the hunting challenge between the Piattelli and the Piacevoli.
The Piattelli, sure of victory, brought back eleven animals. But the Piacevoli, in a true heroic twist, returned with one hundred and thirty.
Their triumphant entry into Florence was narrated with enthusiasm by the chroniclers of the time:
“They entered Florence with their procession, with their three hundred dogs and with a magnificent carriage that carried the prey.”
When they reached the Stinche, the old Florentine prison, the Piacevoli made a grand gesture: they collected money and freed the imprisoned hunters, winning admiration and consolidating their fame.
Recognition from the Grand Duke
The peak of their glory came with a sumptuous dinner offered by Grand Duke Ferdinando II in his palace in honor of the Piacevoli. All members were dressed in hunting attire, celebrated as true popular heroes.
At this event was also present Stefano della Bella, the famous engraver, who immortalized the banquet in a refined illustration. Beneath the image, he dedicated a message to the young Prince Giovan Carlo, brother of the Grand Duke and patron of the company, expressing his desire to be welcomed into the Medici circle.
A Baroque Stage of Life
In this baroque Florence, where every gesture was ritual and every celebration carried political meaning, the Hunting Companies in Florence carved out an important role. Between the laughter of shared meals and the triumph of great hunting expeditions, these men embodied stories of ambition, community, and spectacle.
Even today, these tales remind us of the unique way Florentines combined everyday life with ritual, turning even a hunting trip into history worth remembering.
Learn More
If you want to dive deeper into this fascinating period of Florentine history, here are some useful resources:
- Museo di Firenze – Explore exhibitions about Florence’s social and cultural history.
- The Medici Archive Project – A treasure of documents about Medici Florence.
- Visit Florence – Travel insights and cultural stories from Florence.
- Uffizi Galleries – Home to Stefano della Bella’s engravings and many baroque masterpieces.
