Ludovico Ariosto
Early Life
Ludovico Ariosto was born on September 8, 1474, in Reggio Emilia, as the eldest of 10 children to Count Niccolò Ariosto and Daria Malaguzzi Valeri. Reggio Emilia, located in northern Italy, was a thriving cultural and economic center during the Italian Renaissance. Ariosto's father was a commander of the Reggio fortress and his mother belonged to a family of the minor nobility.
Education
Ariosto received his early education under the tutelage of Gregorio da Spoleto. Spoleto was a humanist and scholar who instilled in Ariosto a love for classical literature and culture. Ariosto studied law at the Ferrara University, but his interest in poetry and literature prevailed over legal studies.
Career
Ariosto began his career in the service of Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, but he found the cardinal to be a harsh and demanding master. In 1517, he entered the service of the cardinal's brother, Alfonso, Duke of Ferrara. Ariosto's duties included diplomatic missions, which allowed him to travel and broaden his horizons.
Literary Works
Ariosto is best known for his epic poem, "Orlando Furioso," which is considered one of the masterpieces of Italian literature. The poem, published in its final form in 1532, is a continuation of Matteo Maria Boiardo's "Orlando Innamorato." The narrative revolves around the romantic adventures of Charlemagne's paladin, Orlando, and the war between Christians and Saracens.
Ariosto also wrote comedies, such as "La Cassaria" and "I Suppositi," which were influenced by Roman playwrights Plautus and Terence. His satirical works, known as "Satire," offer a glimpse into the society and culture of his time.
Later Life and Death
Ariosto spent his later years in Ferrara, where he built a house with the proceeds from his writing. He continued to revise and expand "Orlando Furioso" until his death. Ariosto died on July 6, 1533, and was buried in the Church of San Benedetto in Ferrara.
Legacy
Ariosto's influence on Italian literature and culture is profound. His epic poem, "Orlando Furioso," has inspired numerous adaptations in various forms, including operas, plays, and films. Ariosto's innovative use of the ottava rima verse form and his complex narrative structure have also had a significant impact on later poets and writers.
