The Innocents of Florence: The Renaissance Discovery of Childhood.

The article focuses on "The Innocents of Florence: The Renaissance Discovery of Childhood," which explores the history of Europe's first institute for abandoned children, established in Florence in 1445. Founded by merchant Francesco Datini and designed by architect Filippo Brunelleschi, the institute emerged in response to the societal changes following the Black Death, aiming to nurture essential human qualities in children from all backgrounds. The narrative highlights the tension between the institute's mission and financial sustainability, revealing how the acquisition of expensive artworks sometimes compromised the welfare of the children. The author offers a personal perspective, reflecting on his own experiences as a single parent while documenting the complexities of child welfare during the Renaissance. [Extracted from the article]