PIETRO ARETINO

Pietro Aretino (1492–1556) was an Italian writer, poet, and playwright of the Renaissance, known for his sharp tongue and bold satires, which earned him the nickname “the scourge of princes.” He was born in Arezzo but spent most of his life in Venice, where he enjoyed independence from courtly patrons. His works include sonnets, dialogues, and letters, often mocking the hypocrisy and abuses of political elites and the clergy. Aretino also gained fame as the author of Sonetti lussuriosi (Lustful Sonnets), which accompanied the erotic engravings of Marcantonio Raimondi, causing a scandal and solidifying his reputation as a controversial writer. He was supported by many powerful patrons, but his independent style and biting wit made him as many enemies as admirers. To this day, he is considered one of the most striking writers of the Italian Renaissance.