ABSTRACT
The Carrara Herbal enabled its patron and principal viewer, Francesco Novello, to portray himself as the orchestrator of different value systems circulating in Padua. Both in his book collection and in his role as patron, Francesco connected the courtly, social mores established by his father and encouraged by Petrarch with the hierarchy of medical learning epitomised by the university. The development of a new social role at court - that of the court physician - mirrored this fusion. The making and circulation of the Carrara Herbal gave definition to Francesco Novello's self-image not only as a Carrara prince but as a metaphorical physician for the people of Padua as well. Both the form and content of the manuscript provided tools that enabled Francesco to construct an image of himself as a 'physician prince'. As a 'physician prince' and exemplar to his people, Francesco cured them from the ailment of Giangaleazzo Visconti occupation.
