Bembo Pietro - Venezia 20 maggio 1470, Roma, 18 gennaio 1547;  was an influential Italian scholar, poet, and cardinal during the Renaissance. He played a key role in shaping Italian literary culture, promoting the use of Tuscan dialect as the standard for Italian literature. His works, theories, and influence contributed significantly to the development of modern Italian language and literature. Here's a detailed look at his history and major works:

Biography

Early Life and Education:

Born on May 20, 1470, in Venice to a noble family, Bembo was exposed early to the humanist traditions of the Renaissance.

He studied in Florence and Padua, developing a deep appreciation for classical literature, particularly Latin and Greek texts.

Career and Contributions:

In 1506, Bembo joined the court of Urbino, where he mingled with leading Renaissance figures, including Baldassare Castiglione. Later, he became secretary to Pope Leo X in Rome, gaining prominence in both literary and ecclesiastical circles. After Leo X’s death, he retired to Padua, focusing on his literary pursuits and scholarly endeavors. In 1539, Pope Paul III appointed Bembo a cardinal, further cementing his status as a major figure in both literary and religious spheres.

Death:

Bembo died on January 18, 1547, in Rome.

Key Works

1. Prose della volgar lingua (1525)

Importance: This treatise argued for Tuscan as the literary standard for Italian, using the works of Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio as models.
Impact: It laid the groundwork for the codification of the Italian language, influencing writers like Ludovico Ariosto and Torquato Tasso.

2. Gli Asolani (1505)

Type: A dialogue on love, blending Neoplatonic philosophy with courtly themes.
Setting: Set in Asolo, the work explores the nature of love through poetic and philosophical discourse.
Influence: It was highly admired for its elegance and literary refinement.

3. Rime (Poems)

Bembo’s collection of Petrarchan-style poetry solidified his reputation as a master of Italian verse.
These poems demonstrated his stylistic ideal of linguistic purity and elegance.

4. History of Venice (Historia Veneta, 1551)

A historical account commissioned by the Venetian Senate, written in Latin.
It chronicles Venetian history from 1487 to 1513, blending historical detail with literary sophistication.

5. Letters (Epistolae)

Bembo's vast correspondence with contemporary intellectuals provides valuable insight into the cultural and political life of the Renaissance.

Legacy

Linguistic Reform: Bembo’s advocacy for Tuscan as the literary standard had a lasting impact, influencing subsequent grammarians and lexicographers like the Accademia della Crusca.

Cultural Influence: As a key figure in the Italian Renaissance, Bembo’s works bridged classical antiquity and modernity, inspiring generations of writers and thinkers.

Humanist Ideals: His dedication to the revival of classical ideals in both language and thought made him a central figure in Renaissance humanism.