Petrarch's Italian Works

Petrarch's Italian Works

Francesco Petrarca (1304–1374) is considered to be a primary representative of Italian Renaissance literature and one of the most important figures in Italian literary history. The Italian humanist and poet composed numerous influential works, which have been found in both illuminated manuscripts and later in printed form whereby they found broad circulation and were continuously reprinted over the centuries. One of the most famous of Petrarch’s creations, his magnum opus, is the Il Canzoniere cycle of poems with over 350 sonnets and canzoni.

Hymns of Love and Good

Even these Canzoniere, also known by their Latin title Rerum vulgarium fragmenta, are recorded in the manuscript from the Biblioteca Casanatense. This originated during the second half of the Quattrocento in Venice, probably ca. 1470. The poems of the cycle were appended by the Trionfi and Rime estravaganti. Alongside these famous texts, the precious manuscript also contains a long unknown verse. As a result, the manuscript with the shelf mark Casanatense 924 is the most comprehensive and original specimen of Petrarch’s work in the Italian language.

Elegant Appearance

This 332-page text of such literary and historical importance is presented additionally with gorgeous frames. Alongside tastefully decorated initials – e.g. the very elegantly designed V with floral ornamentation at the beginning of the manuscript – one finds illumination such as an airy angel holding a cartouche with the title. Even the text itself contributes to the elegant appearance of the manuscript. A few important text excerpts are recorded in more conspicuous script with all capital letters or written in gold and some notes and addenda were added to the margins by a 16th century scribe.

A Jewel of Renaissance Humanism

Thus, the manuscript of Petrarch’s Italian works with its enthusiasm for antiquity is completely and utterly in the style of the Renaissance. The fascinating spirit of Italian humanism is thus brought back to life before the eyes of the beholder and makes the gorgeous 15th century volume – a precious manuscript of Italian literary history – an experience!