Abstract

"Sanctity and Solvency: Managing Morality and Money in Renaissance Perugia"

Jessica Lomas, University of Reading (j.m.lomas@pgr.reading.ac.uk)

This study presents the account books of the Perugian Monte di Pietá from the late 15th to 16th century, illuminating how the institution responded to shifting economic, political and social conditions. Initially established as an alternative lending institution to usury, the Monti limited and religious ideals from spiritual motivations, aiming to provide financial support to those in need (Barile, 2012) At its core layer commitment to the alleviation of poverty through the provision of low interest lanes alongside donations to other causes.
Through close analysis of the financial records, this research traces how the Monti’s administrators developed strategic mechanisms to preserve the stability and longevity of the institution. The account books reflect a sophisticated level of financial oversight, including risk management, responsive lending policies, and pragmatic reallocations of resources. These practices were not solely reactive but also pre-emptive, indicating a conscious effort to maintain both financial solvency and public trust.
The purpose of this paper is threefold. It will firstly, examine how the Monte di Pietà of Perugia negotiated between its founding spiritual principles and the practical demands of operating as a financial institution. Second, it will explore the Monti’s interactions with civic and ecclesiastical authorities, revealing its’ integration into broader networks of local, and national governance alongside community welfare. Finally, it will demonstrate that the Monti was not a static financial body, but instead a dynamic institution grounded in Christian ethics (see Toaff, 2004) and responsive to changing social and economic contexts.