Guido Cavalcanti Italian philosopher and poet Country: Italy

1. Life and Times
2. Literary Legacy
3. Political Involvement and Exile
4. Return and Death
5. Notable Works
6. Dante's Influence

Life and Times

Guido Cavalcanti was an Italian philosopher and poet born to Cavalcante Cavalcanti. His birth and death dates are unknown.

Literary Legacy

Cavalcanti was a prominent poet in Florence before Dante and is credited with continuing the philosophical-mystical love poetry tradition of the Bolognese poet Guido Guinizzelli. He married Beatrice, the daughter of Farinata degli Uberti, the leader of the Ghibellines. Cavalcanti himself was a Guelph.

Political Involvement and Exile

Following the division of the Guelph party into the Cerchi and Donati factions, Cavalcanti joined the former. He participated in the conflicts against their rivals and was exiled to Sarzana in 1300.

Return and Death

While in Sarzana, Cavalcanti fell ill and was recalled to Florence. He passed away in the same year, 1300.

Notable Works

Cavalcanti's most famous poem is the canzone "Donna mi prega etc." about the nature of love. It has eight known commentators, including Egidio Colonna and the physician Dino del Garbo. He also wrote ballate, pastorals, and other poems, which were published with his biography by Ercole in 1885.

Dante's Influence

In his "Inferno," Dante places Cavalcanti's father, Cavalcante Cavalcanti, among the epicureans and atheists condemned to eternal punishment. However, Dante's portrayal of Cavalcanti himself in the "Divine Comedy" is more ambiguous.