Petrarch (1304-1374 CE), full name Francesco Petrarca, was an Italian scholar and poet who is credited as one of the founders of the Renaissance movement in art, thought, and literature. Petrarch actively searched for 'lost' ancient manuscripts hidden away in forgotten corners of medieval libraries; Cicero (106-43 BCE) was one particular beneficiary of Petrarch's diligence but there were many others besides. He not only found, edited, and collected these ancient works together but also wrote a vast catalogue of his own poems, texts, and letters. Petrarch's most famous work today is his Canzoniere, a collection of love poems written in the vernacular which revolve around an unknown and unobtainable woman called Laura. Through his discoveries, scholarship, and original works, Petrarch spearheaded a revival in ancient ideals and secular intellectual studies which focussed on human affairs rather than religious matters, even if, paradoxically, he himself remained very much interested in Christian studies. Consequently, Petrarch is, in this respect, considered the father of what became known as Renaissance humanism.
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Definition
Timeline
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1304 - 1374Life of the Italian poet and scholar Petrarch.
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20 Jul 1304The Italian poet and scholar Petrarch is born in Arezzo, Italy.
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1316The Italian scholar and poet Petrarch studies law in Montpellier, France.
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1320The Italian poet and scholar Petrarch studies law in Bologna, Italy.
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1333The Italian poet and scholar Petrarch rediscovers Cicero's 'lost' Pro Archia in Liège.
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1336The Italian poet and scholar Petrarch compiles an edition of works by Virgil.
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1337The Italian poet and scholar Petrarch works as a clerk at the Papal court in Avignon.
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8 Apr 1341The Italian poet and scholar Petrarch is crowned Poet Laureate in Rome.
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c. 1343The Italian poet and scholar Petrarch completes his Secretum meum.
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1345The Italian poet and scholar Petrarch rediscovers Cicero's 'lost' Letters to Atticus in Verona.
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1346The Italian poet and scholar Petrarch writes his De Vita Solitaria (On the Solitary Life).
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1347The Italian poet and scholar Petrarch writes his De Otio Religioso (On Holy Retreat).
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1350The Italian authors and scholars Petrarch and Giovanni Boccaccio first meet. They become lifelong friends.
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1351 - 1374The Italian poet and scholar Petrarch works on his allegorical poem Trionfi (Triumphs).
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1367The Italian poet and scholar Petrarch moves to Arquà outside Padua.
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1370The Italian poet and scholar Petrarch suffers a stroke in Ferrara.
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Jul 1374The Italian poet and scholar Petrarch dies at his desk in his home outside Padua.
