Pietro Aretino

Portrait of Pietro Aretino (by Titian) - The Frick Collection

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La muerte de Pietro Aretino, por Anselm Feuerbach

Portrait of Pietro Aretino (by Titian) - Pitti Palace

Anonimo, medaglia di pietro aretino, 1525-75 ca. (bargello)

Vita di santa Caterina vergine e martire

Pietro Aretino (20 April 1492 – 21 October 1556) was an influential Italian author, playwright, poet, and satirist, who wielded immense influence on contemporary art and politics through his prolific writings. Born in Arezzo, Tuscany, he is often remembered for his audacious literary style and the boldness with which he challenged the social norms of his time. Aretino's work spans a wide range of genres, including sonnets, comedies, and letters, making him a versatile writer of the Italian Renaissance.

Biography

Pietro Aretino was born in Arezzo, and his early life was marked by poverty. Despite his humble beginnings, Aretino's wit and talent for writing quickly earned him patronage in the highest circles of Italian society. He moved to Rome in his early twenties, where he became known for his sharp tongue and pen, writing satirical poems that targeted the powerful. His criticisms, however, eventually led to his expulsion from the city.

Aretino then settled in Venice, which was known for its relative freedom of expression. In Venice, he became a central figure in the literary and artistic circles, befriending notable artists such as Titian and Tintoretto. Aretino's influence extended beyond literature; he was a significant figure in the art world, often acting as an agent for artists and influencing the patronage of art.

Works

Aretino's literary output was prolific and varied. He is perhaps best known for his Letters, which were published in several volumes and covered a wide range of topics, from personal advice to scathing social commentary. His Sonetti lussuriosi (Lustful Sonnets), inspired by Marcantonio Raimondi's erotic engravings, were notorious for their explicit content and resulted in Aretino gaining a reputation for licentiousness.

In addition to his letters and sonnets, Aretino wrote several plays that are considered important works of 16th-century Italian comedy. His play La Cortigiana is a satirical take on Roman society, while Il Marescalco explores themes of gender and identity.

Legacy

Pietro Aretino is remembered as one of the most influential figures of the Italian Renaissance. His bold criticisms of the church and the powerful earned him the title of "the Scourge of Princes." Aretino's works, with their focus on the power of the written word to challenge societal norms, contributed significantly to the development of Renaissance thought and literature.

Aretino's legacy extends beyond his literary achievements; he is also credited with influencing the development of the modern Italian language through his extensive writings. His correspondence with prominent figures of his time provides valuable insights into the cultural and political landscape of Renaissance Italy.

See Also

• Italian Renaissance
• Satire
• Renaissance literature
• History of Italian literature