Antonio Veneziano

Philosopher, Author

1543 – 1593

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Who was Antonio Veneziano?

Antonio Veneziano was an Italian poet who wrote mainly in Sicilian. He is considered among the greatest poets who wrote in Sicilian, which include Giovanni Meli, Domenico Tempio and Nino Martoglio. He is perhaps the first major figure in Sicilian literature following the Sicilian School which predates him by three centuries. During his lifetime, he was well known for his poetry both within Sicily and far beyond. He also wrote in Italian and Latin.

Veneziano was born in Monreale, a contemporary of the great Spanish writer Cervantes. As it happens, both shared a cell after being captured by Barbary pirates around 1575. He wrote his greatest work, Celia during his period of imprisonment in Algeria. Cervantes is reported as having said that Veneziano had earned a passage to Paradise through this collection of poems. He wrote other works of poetry, also delving in satire and bawdy rhymes. He died in Palermo.

When once asked why he chose to write in Sicilian rather than a recognised literary language such as Italian or Spanish, he replied to the effect that if a man is to seduce a woman, he must do so in her mother tongue. It is unclear whether a pun was intended.

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Born
1543
Monreale
Nationality
  • Italy
Profession
Died
Aug 19, 1593
Palermo Castle

Submitted
on July 23, 2013

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