Bartolomeo Platina

Portret van Bartholomeus Platina Bartolomeus Platina (titel op object), RP-P-1909-4347

Bartolomeo Platina (1421 – 1481), born Bartolomeo Sacchi, was an Italian Renaissance humanist, writer, and gastronomist. He is best known for his work De honesta voluptate et valetudine (On Honest Pleasure and Good Health), which is considered one of the first printed cookbooks.

Early Life

Platina was born in Piadena, a small town in the Duchy of Milan. He adopted the name "Platina" from the Latin name of his birthplace. He studied in Mantua and later moved to Florence, where he became associated with the Medici family and the intellectual circle around Lorenzo de' Medici.

Career

Platina's career was marked by his involvement in the Roman Catholic Church and his work as a librarian. He was appointed as the head of the Vatican Library by Pope Sixtus IV in 1475. His tenure as a librarian was notable for the organization and cataloging of the library's collection, which laid the groundwork for future developments.

De honesta voluptate et valetudine

Platina's most famous work, De honesta voluptate et valetudine, was published in 1474. It is a comprehensive guide to food and health, combining recipes with advice on diet and nutrition. The book reflects the humanist interest in classical texts and the revival of ancient culinary practices. It is considered a significant contribution to the history of gastronomy and has been translated into several languages.

Legacy

Platina's work had a lasting impact on the fields of gastronomy and library science. His cookbook influenced later culinary writers and helped to elevate the status of cooking as an art form. As a librarian, his efforts in organizing the Vatican Library set a precedent for future librarians and scholars.

Related Pages

• Renaissance humanism
• Vatican Library
• Pope Sixtus IV
• Medici family
• Italian Renaissance