Abstract

This contribution examines the canon of humanists drawn up by Enea Silvio Piccolomini in the letter of dedication for the first description of Basle, sent by him to cardinal Giuliano Cesarini, papal legate and president of the Council. Examination of some passages shows how the choice of the names – Leonardo Bruni, Ambrogio Traversari and Guarino Veronese, alongside whom Cesarini figures – is not just the result of Piccolomini’s cultural interests, but reflects the standing acquired by Cesarini in the humanistic movement, as shown by the works dedicated to him and by the cultural exchanges between the Italian humanists present in Basle. By seeing the dedication in the political context of Florence’s attempt to host the Council it is possible to suggest a new date. Further light is thrown on the reference to Piccolomini’s plan to write a history of the Council