Printing for the Blind. Uses of Print by Visually Impaired People in Early Modern Italy

Abstract

During the Middle Ages, confraternities of blind people began to emerge in many Italian cities. Later recognised by local authorities and the Roman Church, they ensured that blind people were aided in case of poverty, sickness or death, also providing formal permission to beg on the street and other designated places. These special privileges existed alongside indulgences granted to those (whether visually impaired or sighted) who attended religious functions celebrated by the blind on particular days. This article analyses how these blind individuals used a variety of printed material to promote such indulgences, as well as other activities of their confraternities within and outside their cities.