I consumi dei Gattopardi. I Paternò di Raddusa nel primo Ottocento.

This article aims to analyze the consumption dynamics of an eminent Sicilianaristocratic family during the first twenty years of the XIXth century. In the course ofthe modern age several components of the Paternò lineage maintained a significantdemand for durable goods. So they proved that they belonged to the European élitesthat gradually abandoned the consumer models of the feudal aristocracy. The Paternòdi Raddusa family was no less so, showing prosperity and refinement. About theperiod 1800-1822, Vincenzo Maria Paternò allocated high amounts to consumptions,not only for ordinary goods but also for less usual objects. This, in particular, is moreevident starting from 1808, when Francesco Maria succeeded his father Vincenzo.This essay aims, by means of an analysis of several account books, to reconstructthe composition of the Raddusas’ expenditure, underlining its typology andevolution during the years examined. Furthermore, this research attempts to identifyquantities, amounts, suppliers, consumers even though the accounting sources didnot always permit, this due to their peculiarities.