The Medici Boy by John L'Heureux

New York : Astor + Blue, 2013

Florence during the Renaissance had a significant homosexual culture built around age-structured relationships. To discourage this behavior, in 1432 the city formed Gli Ufficio della Notte (Officers of the Night), to prosecute cases against those involved. By 1502, when it was dissolved, an estimated 12,500 men had been charged in this court with an estimated 2500 convictions for sodomy. Although serious penalties were available by law (forced castration, being burning at the stake), most convictions from this court resulted in a fine.

Against this historical backdrop, John L'Heureux weaves together Donatello's creation of his famous bronze David and the political intrigue surrounding the battle between the Medici and Albizzi families. Told from the point of view of Luca Mattei, an assistant in his workshop, it is the story of Donatello's passion for his model (and part time prostitute), Agnolo, who frequently finds himself on the wrong side of the Officers of the Night. Donatello's friend and patron Cosimo de'Medici can use his power to assist, but when Rinaldo degli Albizzi gains the upper hand in their battle, who will help Agnolo?