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Ioan SekundDutch poet
Date of Birth: 15.11.1511
Country:  Netherlands |
Content:
- Jan Everaerts (Joannes Secundus)
- Ecclesiastical Career and Literary Pursuits:
- "Basia": An Erotic Masterpiece:
- Influence on Renaissance Literature:
- Other Works:
- Translation and Legacy:
Jan Everaerts (Joannes Secundus)
Early Life and Education:Jan Everaerts, better known by his Latinized name Joannes Secundus, was born in The Hague, Netherlands, the son of the Dutch jurist Nicolaus Everaerts. Influenced by his father's friendship with Erasmus of Rotterdam, Secundus's two elder brothers, Nicolaus Grudius and Adrianus Marius, were also poets. At the tender age of 10, he composed his first Latin poem. Together with his brother, he pursued legal studies at the University of Bourges under the renowned Italian jurist Andrea Alciato, earning a licentiate degree in 1533.
Ecclesiastical Career and Literary Pursuits:
After completing his studies, Secundus served for two years as secretary to the Archbishop of Toledo. His literary career blossomed after the tragic death of his brother Secundus, prompting him to collect and publish all of his younger brother's works.
"Basia": An Erotic Masterpiece:
Secundus is most famous for his collection of polymetric Latin poems entitled "Basia" (Kisses), published around 1535. Inspired by the poetry of Catullus, "Basia" consists of 19 erotic love poems that celebrate the beauty and pleasures of physical love. The collection showcases Secundus's mastery of language and his ability to evoke a sensual and passionate experience.
Influence on Renaissance Literature:
"Basia" became a widely imitated and influential work throughout Europe. It inspired poets such as Pierre de Ronsard, John Fletcher, William Drummond, Giambattista Marino, Giovanni Battista Mancano, and Gasparo Murtola. Its themes and motifs were also incorporated into the works of Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, Martin Opitz, and others. Michel de Montaigne praised "Basia" in his "Essays" as one of the outstanding literary achievements of his time.
Other Works:
In addition to "Basia," Secundus wrote a diverse body of works, including letters, travelogues, elegies, epigrams, odes, and other poems. He dedicated his works to prominent figures such as Thomas More, Erasmus, Charles V, and Francis I.
Translation and Legacy:
Secundus's literary legacy continues to be celebrated today. In 1814, Alexander Pushkin translated one of his epigrams into Russian. A complete English translation of "Basia" was published in 1983 by the renowned Russian classicist M.L. Gasparov.
