Illuminated incipit of a 15th-century manuscript of Petrarch’s De vita solitaria, including a portrait of the author (VAULT Case MS 95, f. 1)
4:30-6 pm
Towner Fellows Lounge, Newberry Library
When we think of Renaissance humanism, sonnets, and love songs, one of the first names that comes to mind is Francesco Petrarca. His songbook Rerum vulgarium fragmenta (most commonly known as the Canzoniere), left unfinished in 1374, was transcribed, printed, and translated throughout much of the western world, and became an instant “bestseller.” But, what Petrarch are we reading today? This symposium will explore Petrarch’s writing practices, from his marginal notes in manuscripts and drafts to the (partial) autograph copy of his songbook, and will reflect on the impact digital technologies are having on the way we study Petrarch’s work and premodern literature in general.
Schedule
4:30 pm Refreshments and Welcoming Remarks
Lia Markey, Newberry Library
4:35-5:30 pm Scholarly Presentations
Texts on Flyleaves. An Investigation on Petrarch’s Writing Uses
Maddalena Signorini, Università degli Studi di Roma
Building the Book and the Mechanics of Interpretation in Petrarch’s Canzoniere
H. Wayne Storey, Indiana University
Reading Petrarch in the Digital Age: A Tour of the Petrarchive
Isabella Magni, Newberry Library
5:30-6 pm Discussion
This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited and registration in advance is required. To register, complete this online registration form.