Introduction – How to Ruin a Career
Welcome to Renaissance Florence — the city of geniuses, artists, and… one very unlucky thief. While Michelangelo was sculpting masterpieces and Machiavelli was writing about power, a certain Davanzati was about to learn how to ruin a career in just three spectacular moves. His story, equal parts tragedy and comedy, is one of the most curious scandals in Renaissance Florence.
A Bad Idea in the City of Geniuses
In the Florence of 1525, everything seemed possible — except hiding a crime for long. Davanzati worked as a cashier for the powerful banker Carlo Ginori, one of the city’s wealthiest and most feared men.
Temptation got the better of him, and he decided to “borrow” 500 florins from the bank’s coffers. A bold move, but what to do about the records?
His solution? Set them on fire. Literally.
Davanzati thought that by burning the ledgers, no one could prove his theft. Instead, he turned the Ginori Bank into a fiery inferno. Flames devoured furniture, walls, and priceless documents, causing damage worth over 1,000 florins.
It was a spectacular disaster — and a perfect example of how to ruin a career before it even begins.
When Desperation Meets Creativity
Trying to save face, Davanzati appeared before Florence’s magistrates with a tearful expression and a show worthy of an Oscar. He even invited debtors and creditors to help him “rebuild” the accounts — a performance that fooled no one.
But Davanzati’s troubles were far from over. Since he couldn’t spend the stolen florins without drawing attention, he decided to make more money… by shaving coins.
He literally filed down the edges of gold coins to collect the precious metal dust — a dangerous and illegal hobby that quickly caught the authorities’ attention.
And once again, Davanzati showed the world how to ruin a career, this time with a file and a terrible plan.
A Fall Worthy of a Tragedy
Eventually, Davanzati was caught and interrogated under torture. He confessed everything — the theft, the fire, the coin clipping. His fate was sealed.
On November 13, 1526, he was executed in Florence’s public square.
His end was not only a punishment for his crimes but also a message from Carlo Ginori, who was determined to make an example of him. The people of Florence watched with fascination, gossiping about every detail — because if there’s one thing the Renaissance loved, it was a good scandal.
The Moral of the Story
Davanzati’s tale remains one of Florence’s most unforgettable curiosities — a reminder that in a city filled with brilliant minds, a little stupidity could make you just as famous.
So if you ever wonder how to ruin a career, just remember Davanzati: the man who turned a simple theft into a full-blown Renaissance disaster.
Discover More About Renaissance Florence
If this story made you curious, explore more fascinating tales and places linked to Florence’s golden age:
- Museo di Palazzo Vecchio – Step inside the halls where Florence’s political history unfolded.
- The Medici Archive Project – Discover real documents and scandals from Renaissance families.
- Uffizi Galleries Official Site – Admire the art that defined the era Davanzati lived in.
- History of Florence – Britannica – Read more about the rise of the Florentine Republic.
