Accounting and work relationships in an eighteenth-century Italian household

In elaborating on accounting and work, this study focuses on the distinctive arena of the household in order to uncover details regarding how relationships with paid subordinates were managed in the eighteenth century. To delve more deeply into the topic, this paper focuses on the case of a noble family household located in Italy. Drawing on primary archival sources, this study shows that work relationships with subordinates were managed like business relationships instrumental in nature and based on contractual agreements. However, an emotional attachment of the head of the household to these subordinates was also evident.