Pietro Aretino was an Italian author, playwright, poet, and satirist who wielded immense influence on contemporary art and politics. He invented modern literate pornography, with his works exploring sharp critique and social commentary of his era. His influence extended beyond literature into political and artistic circles, earning him a reputation as a powerful and influential figure of the Renaissance. Aretino masterfully used words to provoke, entertain, and expose truth, leaving an indelible mark on the history of both literature and art.
This book is a firsthand account of what life in Rome was like during the Renaissance period. The descriptions of the people and their culture are vivid and the stories told are entertaining and insightful. It is a unique and valuable resource for anyone interested in this historical period.
Titian was recognised very early on as the leading painter of his generation in Venice. Starting in the studio of the aged Giovanni Bellini, Titian, with his contemporary Giorgione, almost immediately started to expand the range of what was possible in painting.
Set in 16th-century Rome, the narrative centers on Nanna's efforts to educate her daughter Pippa about love and men. Through a series of candid dialogues, Nanna shares insights on the lives of women, from whores to housewives, emphasizing the art of seduction with wit and satire. Aretino's work is characterized by its bold frankness and playful language, offering a vivid glimpse into the courtesan's world. Renowned as a pioneer of European pornographic writing, Aretino's multifaceted talent shines through in this provocative masterpiece.