Vittorio Alfieri

Date of Birth: January 16, 1749

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: October 8, 1803

Biography

Vittorio Alfieri was an 18th-century Italian dramatist and poet, regarded as one of the founders of modern Italian theatre. Born into a noble family in Asti, Piedmont, Alfieri spent his early years under the tutelage of private tutors before attending the Royal Academy of Turin. Disillusioned with the superficiality of court life, he traveled extensively across Europe, which broadened his intellectual horizons and fueled his passion for literature and politics. Alfieri’s works are characterized by their strong political themes, often advocating for liberty and justice. He was deeply influenced by the classical tragedies of Greece and Rome, as well as the works of Shakespeare, which inspired him to write his own tragedies. His most notable works include “Saul,” “Mirra,” and “Oreste,” which are celebrated for their intense emotional depth and moral complexity. Alfieri’s contributions to Italian literature were profound, helping to pave the way for the Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification.

5 Interesting Facts about Vittorio Alfieri

1. Vittorio Alfieri is often referred to as the “founder of Italian tragedy” due to his significant contributions to the genre.

2. He was a passionate advocate for political freedom and expressed his disdain for tyranny in many of his works.

3. Alfieri wrote an autobiography titled “Vita di Vittorio Alfieri da Asti,” which provides a detailed account of his life and thoughts.

4. He was known for his tumultuous personal life, including a notable romantic relationship with Countess of Albany, the wife of the last Stuart pretender to the British throne.

5. Alfieri’s ashes are interred in the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, where a monument by the sculptor Antonio Canova honors his memory.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Vittorio Alfieri

1. “Tyrants are but the spawn of ignorance, begotten by the slaves they trample on.”

2. “True glory takes root and even spreads; all false pretenses, like flowers, fall to the ground: nor can any counterfeit last long.”

3. “Inaction saps the vigor of the mind.”

4. “There is no greater sorrow than to recall a time of happiness in wretchedness.”

5. “The more I detest men individually the more ardent becomes my love for humanity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Vittorio Alfieri was born into a noble family and maintained substantial wealth throughout his life, but specific figures regarding his net worth are not well-documented. However, his status allowed him to live a life dedicated to literary pursuits without financial hardship.