The title might suggest something about Bonfire of the Vanities, the movie in which Bruce Willis stared. But it is a more complex event.
This documentary takes a historic look at 15th century Florence. At the time, citizens burned art and items that were deemed to be without religious value in demonstrations called “bonfire of the vanities”.
Dominican priest, Girolamo Savonarola led the demonstrations. The religious leader was immortalized in “The Prince”, a work by Machiavelli.
They burned everything from cosmetics, art, and books during the Shrove Tuesday festival. The goal was to burn objects that might tempt one to sin, even including vanity items such as mirrors, playing cards fine dresses, and even musical instruments.
