The image of the ruler in the works of the 15th-century humanist Poggio of Florence

There have been few medieval studies dealing with the works of the mid-15th-century Italian humanist Poggio of Florence (Poggio Bracciolini). This historical period has long received much scholarly attention both in Russia and abroad. The author focuses on the political views of the humanist. Like many contemporaries, Poggio raised the relevant issues of the Renaissance in all his works on different topics and of different genres. In this regard, the author identifies Poggio’s position in relation to rulers. It is concluded that the humanist is interested in a ruler as a bearer of certain qualities rather than in a particular person. For Poggio, a ruler must be a wise, just, and virtuous king who cares about the common good. Defending the ideas of civic humanism in his writings, Bracciolini continues the Renaissance tradition of creating the image of the perfect ruler in Italy.