==Introduction==The Italian Renaissance produced many outstanding artists, writers, and thinkers and one of the greatest figures of this era was Francesco Petrarch (1304-1374). He was a great poet, philosopher and writer. The Italian was to have a profound impact on the poetry of the Renaissance not only in Italy but throughout Europe. He was also one of the pioneers in the ‘humanist’ movement which radically transformed the worldview of Europeans and their culture and society. Moreover, the Italian can be said to have invented the concept of the Renaissance, which he defined as a return to classical values after the ‘Dark Ages’ of the Medieval World. __NOTOC__
[[File: Petrarch One.jpg |200px|thumb|left|A contemporary drawing of Petrarch]]
The Italian Renaissance produced many outstanding artists, writers, and thinkers and one of the greatest figures of this era was Francesco Petrarch (1304-1374). He was a great poet, philosopher, and writer. The Italian was to have a profound impact on the poetry of the Renaissance not only in Italy but throughout Europe. He was also one of the pioneers in the ‘humanist’ movement which radically transformed the worldview of Europeans and their culture and society. Moreover, the Italian can be said to have invented the concept of the Renaissance, which he defined as a return to classical values after the ‘Dark Ages’ of the Medieval World.
====Europe in the 14th century====The 14th century was in many ways a time of disaster and, darkness. It was marked by terrible wars, famines and of course the Black Death, the most lethal pandemic, known in European history. However, despite thesedisasters, and even as a result of these disasters there were dramatic changes in European societies. There was an increase in long -distance trade and urbanisation urbanization, and feudal society began to break down in many areas. The Catholic Church was dominant, and it influenced every aspect of life in Europe. However, it was corrupt and worldly and was riven by disputes. This all was leading These problems lead many people to adopt a more secular view of the world worldview and to reconsider key beliefs such as the imperfectability of humanity. The most advanced area of Europe at this time was Italy. It was a patch-work of city-states which had become centres of trade and industry. The peninsula was also heir of the Roman Empire and the wealthy urban elite increasingly became interested in the classical world. This led to dramatic cultural changes and new ways of looking at the world and novel ways of artistic expression, that soon spread beyond Italy by the 15th century.
==The life and works most advanced region of Petrarch==Francesco Petrarch (in Italian Petrarca) Europe at this time was born in Arezzo in Northern Italy. His father It was a lawyer patchwork of city-states which had become centers of trade and a member industry. The peninsula was also the heir of the minor nobilityRoman Empire, and the wealthy urban elite increasingly became interested in the classical world. He spent some These led to dramatic cultural changes and new ways of his early childhood in a village near Florence looking at the world and his family later moved to Avignon in Southern Francenovel forms of artistic expression, that soon spread beyond Italy by the 15th century. His father followed the court ====The life and works of the Pope who moved to Avignon to escape the disorders and instability in Rome Petrarch====[[File: Petrarch 3. Petrarch’s father obliged him to study law, but he later abandoned it, his first love jpg|300px|thumb|left|The real-life Laura was literature and during his school years he developed a life-long love of Latin and the ancient world. The young Laura De Noves]]Francesco entered the church and took minor orders, this meant that while he Petrarch (in Italian Petrarca) was born in Arezzo in Northern Italy. His father was a cleric, he was able to live lawyer and work in societya member of the minor nobility. The young Italian was in financial straitened circumstances after the death He spent some of his father and he began early childhood in a village near Florence and his family later moved to serve the powerful Cardinal ColonnaAvignon in Southern France. Petrarch was a diplomat and he had as a result a very cosmopolitan outlook, which was very rare His father followed the court of the Pope who moved to Avignon to escape the disorders and instability in the 14th centuryRome. One day while attending mass in 1327 Petrarch’s father obliged him to study law, but he saw a ladylater abandoned it, at mass, called Laura whom he fell in his first love with at first sight was literature, and she became during his muse school years he developed a life-long love of Latin and inspired most of his greatest poetrythe ancient world. During his travels on diplomatic missions he would write poetry in praise of LauraThe young Francesco entered the church and took minor orders. There are those who have argued This meant that Laura while he was fictional a poetic devicecleric, but most believe she he was a real historical figureable to live and work in society. She The young Italian was probably in financially straitened circumstances after the wife death of a local count his father, and died in 1348he began to serve the powerful Cardinal Colonna. He became famous throughout Europe after the circulation of his Epic in Latin Petrarch was a diplomat, Africa, based on and he had a very cosmopolitan outlook, which was very rare in the life of a Roman general14th century. In 1341 he was invited to Rome and was crowned as Poet LaureateOne day while attending mass in 1327 he saw a lady, only the second poet to be honoured in this wayat mass, since the fall called Laura whom he fell in love with at first sight, and she became his muse and inspired most of the Empirehis greatest poetry. <ref> LarnerDuring his travels on diplomatic missions, John. Italy he would write poetry in the Age praise of Dante and Petrarch, 1216-1380Laura. Vol. 2 (LondonThere are those who have argued that Laura was fictional a poetic device, Longman Publishing Group, 1980), p 118</ref>but most believe she was a real historical figure. He also became friendly with many of She was probably the greatest writers wife of his time, such as Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375), a local count and died in 1348. Petrarch became famous throughout Europe after the author circulation of his Epic in Latin, Africa, based on the Decameron. The Italian was a great letter-writer and was in correspondence with the leading thinkers life of his timea Roman general. Sometime in 1346 it seems that Petrarch had a spiritual crisis In 1341, he was invited to Rome and he became more religious but he did not abandon his love was crowned as Poet Laureate, only the second poet to be honored in this way, since the fall of the classics and the classical world Empire. <ref>Larner, Vol IJohn. Italy in the Age of Dante and Petrarch, 1216-1380. Vol. 2 (London, Longman Publishing Group, 1980), p 201118</ref>. His fame continued to growHe also became friendly with many of the greatest writers of his time, and he was sent on more diplomatic mission by such as Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375), the author of the ChurchDecameron. The Italian was an early supporter of Cola Rienzi who failed in a bid to resurrect the Roman Republic and restore popular government great letter-writer and was in Rome. This made him very unpopular correspondence with some of the leading Church figures thinkers of the day and possibly harmed his diplomatic careertime. After 1350 Sometime in 1346, it seems that Petrarch had a spiritual crisis and he travelled less and began to dedicate himself became more to poetry and religious. But he revised many did not abandon his love of his earlier lyrics, especially those in Italian the classics and he collected these in his famous Il Canzoniere (Song Book). Despite taking ordersthe classical world.<ref>Larner, as a clericVol I, p 201</ref> His fame continued to grow, Petrarch, fathered two children outside of marriage and he legitimized both of them, a son and a daughterwas sent on the more diplomatic mission by the Church. He had a deep interest in education and became involved The Italian was an early supporter of Cola Rienzi who failed in a number of polemics against those who championed bid to resurrect the traditional approach to education, which was largely influenced by the teachings Roman Republic and restore popular government in Rome. This made him very unpopular with some of the leading Church <ref> Mazzotta, Giuseppe. The worlds figures of Petrarchthe day and possibly harmed his diplomatic career. No. 14 (North CarolinaAfter 1350 he traveled less and began to dedicate himself more to poetry, Duke University Pressand he revised many of his earlier lyrics, 1993)especially those in Italian, p. 119</ref>. In the 1360s and he settled collected these in Florence and later Padua but had to move regularly because of outbreaks of the Black Death. In 1367 he returned to Padua and remained there until his death in 1374his famous Il Canzoniere (Song Book). [[File: Despite taking orders, as a cleric, Petrarch 3, fathered two children outside of marriage and he legitimized both of them, a son and a daughter.jpg|200px|thumb|left| The real-life Laura was Laura De Noves]]==His impact on He had a deep interest in education and became involved in some polemics against those who championed the traditional approach to education, which was largely influenced by the literature teachings of the Renaissance==While Church.<ref> Mazzotta, Giuseppe. The worlds of Petrarch wrote in both Latin and Italian it is arguably his works and especially his poetry . No. 14 (North Carolina, Duke University Press, 1993), p. 119.</ref>In the 1360s he settled in his native tongue that was most influential. Vernacular poetry Florence and later Padua but had begun to flourish in move regularly because of outbreaks of the 13th and 14th century Black Death. In 1367 he returned to Padua and remained there until his death in 1374. ====His impact on the works literature of Dante and the Sicilian School are still considered to be masterpieces of European literatureRenaissance====<refdh-ad/> Burckhardt, Jacob. The Civilization of the Renaissance While Petrarch wrote in both Latin and Italian it is arguably his works and especially his poetry in Italy, (London, Penguin Books, 1990), p 117</ref>his native tongue that was most influential. Dante one of Vernacular poetry had begun to flourish in the world’s greatest poets had actually been a friend of Petrarch’s father. The writer was13th and 14th century, to have a major impact on and the development works of poetry in Dante and the Renaissance. He is often credited as the inventor Sicilian School are still considered to be masterpieces of the sonnetEuropean literature.<ref> Burckhardt, one Jacob. The Civilization of the most popular poetic forms in Renaissance in Italy, (London, Penguin Books, 1990), p 117</ref> Dante, one of the western tradition. This is world’s greatest poets, was a fourteen-line poem friend of Petrarch’s father. The writer had a major impact on the development of poetry in the metre known Renaissance. Petrarch is often credited as iambic pentameter. Howeverthe inventor of the sonnet, he really only perfected one of the form and he introduced innovations that allowed poets to use language in a very expressive way. Petrarch also developed new literary devices such as most popular poetic forms in the extended metaphorwestern tradition. He was not This is a fourteen-line poem in the first to write about love in a very romantic way and about an idealized belovedmetre known as iambic pentameter. However, his poems dedicated he really only perfected the form and he introduced innovations that allowed poets to his love of Laura were very influential popularized the writing of love poetry use language in Italy and beyonda very expressive way. Petrarch also developed new literary devices such as the extended metaphor. His use of sonnets to express his inner life and emotions was revolutionary and original. This did much to encourage poets He was not the first to write about love in a more personal very romantic way and introspective style<ref> Kirkhamabout an idealized beloved. However, Victoria and Armando Maggi. Petrarch: A Critical Guide his poems dedicated to his love of Laura were very influential popularized the Complete Workswriting of love poetry in Italy and beyond. (Chicago, University His use of Chicago Press, 2009), p. 119sonnets to express his inner life and emotions was revolutionary and original. This did much to encourage poets to write in a more personal and introspective style.</ref>. Kirkham, Victoria and Armando Maggi. Petrarch became : A Critical Guide to the model for lyrical poets for many centuriesComplete Works. His sonnets(Chicago, known as the Petrarchan SonnetUniversity of Chicago Press, 2009), were very popular in Elizabethan Englandp. Shakespeare was clearly influenced by 119</ref> Petrarch's verse became the Italian and he developed his own style of sonnetmodel for lyrical poets for many centuries. His sonnets, known as the Shakespearian sonnetPetrarchan Sonnet, based on Petrarch’s were very popular in Elizabethan England. Shakespeare was clearly influenced by the Italian and he developed his own style of sonnet, known as the Shakespearian sonnet, based on Petrarch’s verse. The Italian wrote his poetry in the Tuscan dialect, as had Dante ,and this led it to become the standard form of literary expression in the Italian Peninsula, which had many regional dialects. The Italian was not only a great poet he also was a great prose writer. He wrote the first autobiography since the classical era and this was a landmark in the development of the genre and encouraged more writers to compose their memoirs and life-story. His dialogues, letters, and other works, in Latin inspired many imitators in the Renaissance. ====The First Humanist====Humanism was a cultural movement that valued human qualities, such as reason and argued that this world had worth and value, [[File: Petrarch Two.jpg|300px|thumb|left| Mont Ventoux’ which was contrary inspired Petrarch to Christian teachings and taught that write one of the most important documents of the Renaissance]]Humanism was a cultural movement that valued human agency could improve society qualities, such as reason and give dignity and meaning argued that this world had worth and meaning, which was contrary to Christian teachings. It taught that human agency could improve society and give dignity and freedom to the individual life.<ref> Nauert, Charles G. Humanism and the Culture of Renaissance Europe: Second Edition. (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2006), p 115</ref>. Petrarch is often regarded as the Father of Humanism. This is because he helped to popularize the study of the classical world and literature. He personally rediscovered many manuscripts in monasteries and had Greek works translated to Latin, so that they could be more readily read and studied. Petrarch believed that the study of the classics could enhance a person, intellectually and morally and this became axiomatic among humanists. The Italian in his works He encouraged his readers to take an interest in nature and helped to formulate a new aesthetic, which did not regard the world as a ‘vale of tears’ but as something that was beautiful and could help a person to develop spiritually .<ref>Naubert, p. 18.</ref>. His famous ‘Letter on the ‘Ascent of Mont Ventoux’ is regarded as a landmark, which argued that a delight in nature could be morally and spiritually uplifting.<ref> Petrarch Epistolae familiares (IV, 1) </ref>. This is held by many to have Petrarch initiated a the move to the re-discovery of the world after the Middle Ages and its focus on the life to come, which was a characteristic of the humanists. This ultimately led to the rational examination of the world , and this had dramatic consequences in the fields as diverse as science, politics , and philosophy. Moreover, the poet in his writings was very much interested in the interior life of a person and suggested that everyone had a rich inner life, a key tenet of humanism. He held that the individual was important, and this was radical for the time . <ref>. Bishop, Morris Petrarch , and His World. (Bloomington, Indiana. Indiana University Press 1963), p 118</ref> However, Petrarch was conflicted, he was a very religious man , and yet he admired the pagan classical world. He was ultimately able to resolve this by arguing that the classical and pagan world could help a person to become more moral and to achieve salvation. This did much to ensure that humanism and its love of the classical past was acceptable in an Italy and Europe that was still staunchly Christian .<ref>Bishop. p. 201</ref>. [[File: Petrarch Two.jpg|200px|thumb|left| Mont Ventoux’ which inspired Petrarch to write one of the most important documents of ====Inventing the Renaissance]]==Inventing the Renaissance==In some ways, the poet was not only one of the most important figures in the Renaissance, in a sense he invented it. The Renaissance is widely seen as a period of ‘re-birth’ when Europe rediscovered classical values and in the process used the ancient past, for models which ultimately led to the development of more modern ways of thought <ref>Bishop, p. 213</ref>. Petrarch was the first to recognize that the study of the past by the humanists was a new period in history and one that would revive the glory of Rome and Greece. He portrayed it as distinct from previous centuries which he described as ignorant and a ‘Dark Age’ . This was not strictly true because learning in Europe had been growing since the 12th century. Indeed, many have argued that the Renaissance in Italy and elsewhere were a direct result of trends in the Middle Ages. Petrarch’s conception of the Renaissance as something distinct from the Medieval world has been profoundly influential and it remains so to this day<ref> Burckhardt, Jacob. The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy.
[[File: Petrarch four.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Petrarch from a 15th century Italian painting]]
In some ways, the poet was not only one of the most important figures in the Renaissance; in a sense he invented it. The Renaissance is widely seen as a period of ‘re-birth’ when Europe rediscovered classical values and in the process used the ancient past, for models which ultimately led to the development of more modern ways of thought.<ref>Bishop, p. 213</ref> Petrarch was the first to recognize that the study of the past by the humanists was a new period in history and one that would revive the glory of Rome and Greece. He portrayed it as distinct from previous centuries which he described as ignorant and a ‘Dark Age.’
This was not strictly true because learning in Europe had been growing since the 12th century. Indeed, many have argued that the Renaissance in Italy and elsewhere were a direct result of trends in the Middle Ages. Petrarch’s conception of the Renaissance as something distinct from the Medieval world has been profoundly influential, and it remains so to this day<ref> Burckhardt, Jacob. The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy.
====Conclusion====
Petrarch was undoubtedly one of the most significant influences on the Renaissance not only in Italy but throughout Europe. His poetry was to inspire other poets in the period and later, to examine their interior life and emotions and to celebrate the natural world and to see love as something spiritual. His literary forms such as the sonnet and autobiography persuaded many writers to adopt a more personal style. Petrarch was also if not the ‘Father of Humanism’ certainly one of its leading lights. For example, his works and scholarship did much to encourage an appreciation of Graeco-Roman civilization and this was radical as it helped to counter the stifling influence of the Church and Papacy. His writings and philosophy promoted a more secular and rational worldview and promoted a greater awareness of the importance of the individual. This had important repercussion and encouraged a belief that this world was important and not just salvation. This encouraged a rediscovery of not only the ancient world but a growing investigation of the world and society that led to a more modern outlook and one that was not wholly influenced by Christianity.
==Conclusion==Petrarch was undoubtedly one of the most significant influences on the Renaissance not only in Italy but throughout Europe. His poetry was to inspire other poets in the period and later, to examine their interior life and emotions and to celebrate the natural world and to see love as something spiritual. His literary forms such as the sonnet and autobiography persuaded many writers to adopt a more personal style. Petrarch was also if not the ‘Father of Humanism’ certainly one of its leading lights. For example, his works and scholarship did, much to encourage an appreciation of Graeco-Roman civilization and this was radical as it helped to counter the stifling influence of the Church and Papacy. His writings and philosophy promoted a more secular and rational worldview and promoted a greater awareness of the importance of the individual. This had important repercussion and encouraged a belief that this world was important and not just salvation. This encouraged a rediscovery of not only the ancient world but a growing investigation of the world and society that led to a more modern outlook and one that was not wholly influenced by Christianity. Further Reading==Further Reading==Petrarch. F. <i>My Secret Book</i>, (Secretum), translated by Nicholas Mann. Harvard University Press.
Petrarch, F. <i>Canzoniere</i>, translated by Anthony Mortimer (London: Penguin, 2002).
Minta, Stephen. <i>Petrarch and Petrarchism: the English and French Traditions </i> (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1980).
Giustiniani, Vito "Homo, Humanus, and the Meanings of Humanism". Journal of the History of Ideas 46 (1985), pp 167 – 95
====References====<references/> {{Contributors}} [[Category:European History]] [[Category:Italian History]] [[Category:Wikis]] [[Category:Renaissance History]]