Beatrice Portinari

Although the details surrounding the life of Beatrice Portinari, pronnounced bay'-a-treech-ey, (1266-1290) are subject to much dispute, there is little doubt she was a major influence in Dante Alighieri's life, influencing particularly his works of La Vita Nuova and La Divina Commedia.

Beatrice's Influence on Dante's Work

Beatrice's influence was far from simple inspiration, she appeared as a character in his two greatest works - La Vita Nuova and La Divina Commedia.

Related Topics:
La Vita Nuova - La Divina Commedia

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

She first appeared in La Vita Nuova, which Dante wrote in about 1293. The book was filled with poems about Beatrice, and entirely complimentary to her; she was described as "gentilissima" and "benedetta" (meaning gracious and blessed respectively).

Related Topics:
La Vita Nuova - 1293

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Having already referred to Beatrice as his salvation, this idea is further touched upon in La Divina Commedia, where she appears as a guide through heaven. Here she is described as being "maternal, radiant and comforting."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Although they converse in personal terms, this is no more than the imagination of Dante. Since their relationship had no contact, the Beatrice of his works was shaped entirely by his own mind. He once called her "La gloriosa donna della mia mente", which means "the glorious lady of my mind".

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~