Grand Duchess Christina as a Patron

Although there are many incidences where Galileo gained recognition that can be illustrated, perhaps the most important event to Galileo was when he wrote the Grand Duchess Christina. The relationship with Galileo and the Grand Duchess Christina began back when Ferdinand I de' Medici married Christina of Lorraine in 1589. It is said that Christina was "well-disposed to Galileo and as a favor in return for some services rendered by Galileo when he was still in Padua, she found a position for his brother-in-law Benedetto Landucci" (The Galileo Project). Moreover, the Grand Duchess Christina had a friendly, positive attitude towards Galileo. So, Galileo wrote the Grand Duchess Christina a letter to publish his ideas about how the Bible should be interpreted in those places where a literal reading implied that the earth did not move. During this time, scientists did not have many resources to publish work. Scientific research had not yet been established like what we are familiar with today. As a result, Galileo's only choice was to write a letter to the Grand Duchess Christina, which was spurred by her skepticism of his theory, in order to publish his ideas. 

As for her point of view on Galileo, Grand Duchess Christina's verdict seems as if it could swing either way. 

The Grand Duchess Christina was part of the House of Medici, which makes her a descending patron. Yet, although there is a lot of evidence that shows that she was well-disposed to Galileo, there are some other factors that play into the outcome. For instance, I believe her gender could have changed her verdict. A woman at this time, voicing her opinion about the heretic of the Papacy. This is a risky stance for a woman. It is simply a ricky stance to even go against the Church. Yet, it is the age of a scientific revolution and the Medici's have a long history of bringing new cultural climate to the region. 

I think I have to say that the Grand Duchess Christina would view Galileo as: not guilt. 

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