Girolamo Baruffaldi Ferrarese poet, literary scholar and priest of the Baroque era Date of Birth: 17.07.1675 Country: Italy

1. Life and Early Career of Girolamo Baruffaldi
2. Historical Contributions
3. Conflict with the Papal States
4. Exile and Rehabilitation
5. Later Years and Literary Endeavors
6. Controversial Renaissance Sonnet and Legacy

Life and Early Career of Girolamo Baruffaldi

Girolamo Baruffaldi, a renowned Baroque poet, literary scholar, and priest from Ferrara, dedicated his life to studying archaeology and history, particularly the history of poetry, after entering the priesthood around 1700.

Historical Contributions

Baruffaldi left a lasting legacy through his extensive research, which resulted in works like "History of Ferrara," "Historical and Scholarly Commentary," "Biographies of Ferrarese Painters and Sculptors," and "Dissertation on Ferrarese Poets."

Conflict with the Papal States

During a dispute between the Papal States and the Duchy of Modena, Baruffaldi sided with the Pope. However, he was accused of leaking documents to Ludovico Antonio Muratori, who supported Modena. This alleged betrayal led to Baruffaldi's banishment to the Venetian territories in 1711, along with the seizure of his vast collection of antiques, manuscripts, and rare books.

Exile and Rehabilitation

Baruffaldi found refuge with friends in Venice. In 1714, he was exonerated and returned to Ferrara, where he regained his papers. He resumed his historical, canonical, and poetic pursuits there, even briefly holding a professorship at the University of Ferrara.

Later Years and Literary Endeavors

From 1729 until his death, Baruffaldi served as Archpriest of Cento, continuing to produce literary works. In 1741, he published "The Hemp Carder," an eight-book poem that highlighted the agronomic importance of hemp cultivation, a crop essential to the region of Cento and the Venetian navy.

Controversial Renaissance Sonnet and Legacy

Baruffaldi is also known for his attribution of a famous Renaissance sonnet lamenting the murder of Ercole Strozzi to Barbara Torelli. Although once believed authentic, this sonnet is now considered a historical forgery. Nonetheless, Baruffaldi's contributions to Ferrarese literature and history remain influential to this day.