Petrarch's rediscovery of Cicero's letters is often credited with initiating the 14th-century Italian Renaissance and the founding of Renaissance humanism. In the 16th century, Pietro Bembo created the model for the modern Italian language based on Petrarch's works, as well as those of Giovanni Boccaccio, and, to a lesser extent, Dante Alighieri. Petrarch was later endorsed as a model for Italian style by the Accademia della Crusca.
Life and Career
Petrarch's sonnets were admired and imitated throughout Europe during the Renaissance and became a model for lyrical poetry. He is also known for being the first to develop the concept of the "Dark Ages".
Key Facts
- Died: 1374
- Field: Art
Legacy and Impact
The influence of Petrarch extends far beyond their own lifetime. They fundamentally shaped visual arts and creative expression, and their works and artistic innovations remain foundational to this day.
Though they passed away in 1374, their ideas continue to be studied, debated, and built upon by scholars and practitioners worldwide.
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