Cesare Borgia and Machiavelli 1866

Federico Faruffini created this print, “Cesare Borgia and Machiavelli,” in the 19th century, a period of nation-building across Europe. He sets the scene during the Italian Renaissance. Here, we have a meeting between Cesare Borgia, a nobleman and politician of the era, and Niccolò Machiavelli, a diplomat and political philosopher. Faruffini's choice to depict this meeting reveals the 19th century’s fascination with power, politics, and the figures who shaped history. Borgia, the figure of military might, sits with a swagger. Machiavelli, a man of intellect and strategy, sits quietly beside him. The composition hints at the complex dynamic between the two men. Faruffini subtly uses the contrast in their postures to underline their distinct roles in the political arena. Faruffini’s focus extends beyond the individuals, prompting reflections on the nature of power, morality, and the strategies employed in governance. The print encourages us to consider the ethical dimensions of leadership, and the personal cost of political ambition.