| Abstract: | This article examines the flexibility of the notabile model in different circumstances and time periods. The idea of a notabile cannot be restricted to only a few cases as there are many examples of notabili who, despite not having social and family origins of the classical notabile type, tend to assume the same behavioural and cultural patterns in managing power. The patterns usually considered typical of a notabile are often linked to landed property and the professions, but there are many other cases that suggest that the qualities of the notabili change in different historical and political moments, and are easily adapted to changing social and environmental circumstances. Even when they do not seem to fit directly into the classical model, over time those original features are still evident. |
