Francesca da Rimini

Date of Birth: 1255

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 1285

Biography

Francesca da Rimini was an Italian noblewoman born in 1255 in Ravenna, Italy. She is best known as a tragic figure in Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy,” where she appears in the second circle of Hell, condemned for her adulterous love affair with her brother-in-law, Paolo Malatesta. Francesca was married to Giovanni Malatesta, also known as Gianciotto, who murdered her and his brother Paolo upon discovering their affair. Her story has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music over the centuries, making her a legendary figure in Western culture. Despite the tragic circumstances of her life, Francesca’s tale continues to captivate audiences with its themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of passion.

5 Interesting Facts about Francesca da Rimini

1. Francesca da Rimini’s story is prominently featured in Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy.”

2. She was born into the noble Polenta family of Ravenna, Italy.

3. Her adulterous love affair with Paolo Malatesta has inspired numerous works of art, including operas, plays, and paintings.

4. In many artistic depictions, Francesca and Paolo are often shown reading together, as it was through their shared love of literature that their affair began.

5. The tale of Francesca da Rimini has been interpreted as a commentary on the power of literature and its ability to influence human emotions and actions.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Francesca da Rimini

1. “There is no greater sorrow than to recall happiness in times of misery.” – Francesca da Rimini, Dante’s “Inferno”

2. “Love, which permits no loved one not to love, seized me with pleasure of this man so strongly.” – Francesca da Rimini, Dante’s “Inferno”

3. “But if to recognize the greater force of love is man’s lot, then I was taken by the might of love and by love itself.” – Francesca da Rimini, Dante’s “Inferno”

4. “The double grief of a lost bliss is to recall its happy hour in pain.” – Francesca da Rimini, Dante’s “Inferno”

5. “Love led us to one death.” – Francesca da Rimini, Dante’s “Inferno”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a historical figure from the 13th century, Francesca da Rimini did not accumulate a net worth in the modern sense. Her wealth would have been tied to her noble family’s assets and holdings.