Annibale Caro

Annibale Caro (June 19, 1507-November 21, 1566) was an Italian poet.

Related Topics:
June 19 - 1507 - November 21 - 1566 - Italian - Poet

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Born in Civita Nuova, Ancona, he became tutor to the family of Lodovico Gaddi, a wealthy family in Florence, and then secretary to Lodovico's brother Giovani. At Gaddi's death, he entered the service of the Farnese family, and became confidential secretary to Pietro Ludovico Farnese, duke of Parma, and to his sons, Duke Ottavio and cardinals Ranuccio and Alexander.

Related Topics:
Civita Nuova - Ancona - Lodovico Gaddi - Florence - Giovani - Farnese family - Pietro Ludovico Farnese - Duke of Parma - Ottavio - Ranuccio - Alexander

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Caro's most important work was his translation of the Aeneid. He is also the author of poems, sonnets, and a comedy called Gil Straccioni. His work also includes two clever jeux d'esprit: La Fichelde, in praise of figs, and a eulogy of the big nose of Leoni Ancona, a local figure. His poetry is noted for the freedom and grace of its versification, so that many claim that he brought verso sciolto to its highest form in Italy. Caro also composed prose, including translations of Aristotle, Cyprian, and Gregory Nazianzen. Letters he wrote, both in his own name and on behalf of the cardinals Farnese, are considered remarkable for both the baseness they display and for their euphemistic polish and elegance.

Related Topics:
Aeneid - Sonnet - Comedy - Fig - Eulogy - Leoni Ancona - Verso sciolto - Italy - Aristotle - Cyprian - Gregory Nazianzen - Euphemistic

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Caro's fame was diminished because of the virulence with which he attacked Lodovico Castelvetro in one of his canzoni, and by his meanness for denouncing him to the Church for translating some of the writings of Philipp Melanchthon, and associate of Martin Luther. He died in Rome in 1566.

Related Topics:
Lodovico Castelvetro - Philipp Melanchthon - Martin Luther - Rome

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