![Margherita_Sarrocchi](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/Margherita_Sarrocchi.jpg)
Margherita Sarrocchi (,
Naples
Naples (; it, Napoli ; nap, Napule ), from grc, Νεάπολις, Neápolis, lit=new city. is the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city of Italy, after Rome and Milan, with a population of 909,048 within the city's adminis ...
– 29 October 1617,
Rome
, established_title = Founded
, established_date = 753 BC
, founder = King Romulus (legendary)
, image_map = Map of comune of Rome (metropolitan city of Capital Rome, region Lazio, Italy).svg
, map_caption ...
) was an Italian poet and a supporter of the theories of
Galileo
Galileo di Vincenzo Bonaiuti de' Galilei (15 February 1564 – 8 January 1642) was an Italian astronomer, physicist and engineer, sometimes described as a polymath. Commonly referred to as Galileo, his name was pronounced (, ). He was ...
. She was also a mathematics student with a vast variety of interests in other sciences.
Sarrocchi had numerous other scientific interests like geometry, astronomy, and natural philosophy. However, her writings in these fields have been lost or destroyed. Sarrochi's works have been forgotten and left behind like many other female scientists.
Margherita Sarrocchi was first friend and potential lover, then rival and enemy of
Giambattista Marino
Giovanni Battista was a common Italian given name (see Battista for those with the surname) in the 16th-18th centuries. It refers to "John the Baptist" in English, the French equivalent is "Jean-Baptiste". Common nicknames include Giambattista, Gia ...
, and wrote an
epic poem
An epic poem, or simply an epic, is a lengthy narrative poem typically about the extraordinary deeds of extraordinary characters who, in dealings with gods or other superhuman forces, gave shape to the mortal universe for their descendants.
...
in twenty-three cantos, the ''Scanderbeide'', celebrating the heroic exploits of
Scanderbeg
, reign = 28 November 1443 – 17 January 1468
, predecessor = Gjon Kastrioti
, successor = Gjon Kastrioti II
, spouse = Donika Arianiti
, issue = Gjon Kastrioti II
, royal house = Kastrioti
, father ...
against the Ottoman Turks.
Education and marriage
Margherita Sarrocchi was born in
Gragnano
Gragnano, a hill town located between a mountain crest and the Amalfi Coast, is a ''comune'' (municipality) in the Metropolitan City of Naples in southern Italy's Campania region, located about southeast of Naples city.
Gragnano borders the foll ...
in the Neapolitan area around 1560. Her father was one Giovanni; the name of her mother is not known.
[Pezzini 2017, n.p.]
After the death of her father, she was educated in Rome, first at the monastery of
Santa Cecilia in Trastevere
Santa Cecilia in Trastevere is a 5th-century church in Rome, Italy, in the Trastevere rione, devoted to the Roman martyr Saint Cecilia (early 3rd century AD).
History
The first church on this site was founded probably in the 3rd century, by Pop ...
, then by
Guglielmo Sirleto
Guglielmo Sirleto (or Sirleti) (1514 – 6 October 1585) was an Italian Cardinal and scholar. He was considered the greatest linguist of his age.Andrew Edward Breen, ''A General and Critical Introduction to the Study of Holy Scripture'', p. ...
, the
Vatican
Vatican may refer to:
Vatican City, the city-state ruled by the pope in Rome, including St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museum
The Holy See
* The Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church and sovereign entity recognized ...
librarian, the scholar
Rinaldo Corso
Rinaldo Corso (died 1582) was a Roman Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of Strongoli (1579–1582). ''(in Latin)''
Biography
On 3 August 1579, Rinaldo Corso was appointed by Pope Gregory XIII as Bishop of Strongoli.
He served as Bishop of S ...
, and finally by
Luca Valerio
Luca Valerio (1553–1618) was an Italian mathematician. He developed ways to find volumes and centers of gravity of solid bodies using the methods of Archimedes. He corresponded with Galileo Galilei and was a member of the Accademia dei Lince ...
, the mathematician and Greek scholar.
Valerio, like Sarrocchi later in life, also had connections to Galileo.
[Sacco, Francesco G. Review of Daughters of Alchemy: Women and Scientific Culture in Early Modern Italy by Meredith K. Ray. ''The British Journal for the History of Science'' 49, no. 1 (2016): 122–23. .]
At Santa Cecilia, Sarrocchi was implored by her guardian, Cardinal Guglielmo Sirleto, to be educated in the sciences and the arts. Thus she began her journey as an early
woman in science. By the age of 15, she published her first poem.
In 1599, she married Carlo Birago, a Piedmontese gentleman. She was widowed in 1613, as evidenced by a letter from Valerio to
Galileo
Galileo di Vincenzo Bonaiuti de' Galilei (15 February 1564 – 8 January 1642) was an Italian astronomer, physicist and engineer, sometimes described as a polymath. Commonly referred to as Galileo, his name was pronounced (, ). He was ...
dated August of that year.
At the time of her life, women in the public forefront were often not respected. She faced much controversy and criticism during her life for her works. However, she earned the support of many others during her time, including Galileo.
Academies
Sarrocchi joined the
Accademia degli Umoristi
The Accademia degli Umoristi (Academy of the Humorists) was a learned society of intellectuals, mainly noblemen, that significantly influenced the cultural life of 17th century Rome. It was briefly revived in the first half of the eighteenth cent ...
around 1602, which made her the first woman to be a regular member of an academy.
In total, she was a part of at least three formal academies.
Additionally, she helped form an unofficial academy called Ordinati after leaving the Umoristi academy.
She was very talented, as many intellectuals, such as Niccolò Toppi, reported how skilled she was.
Although she had great talent, Sarrocchi was considered to be boastful and relentless to individuals who did not respect or agree with her positions, as she was aware that she was a woman who held great prestige.
She was disliked by many, including Giambattista Marino.
Initially, these two were close friends.
However, Sarrocchi found fault with some of his work, which he took offense to.
There is a theory that, initially, Marino and Sarrocchi were romantically involved, but when their relationship ended, Sarrocchi then became bitter with Marino.
There is little evidence for this theory.
Relationship with Galileo
Sarrocchi and Galilei probably met in person in 1611 in Rome, where the scientist stayed from 29 March to 4 June. She was there to demonstrate to the members of the
Curia
Curia (Latin plural curiae) in ancient Rome referred to one of the original groupings of the citizenry, eventually numbering 30, and later every Roman citizen was presumed to belong to one. While they originally likely had wider powers, they came ...
the validity of his scientific discoveries which had been made public with the publication of the ''
Sidereus Nuncius
''Sidereus Nuncius'' (usually ''Sidereal Messenger'', also ''Starry Messenger'' or ''Sidereal Message'') is a short astronomical treatise (or ''pamphlet'') published in New Latin by Galileo Galilei on March 13, 1610. It was the first published ...
''. The direct correspondence occurred between 29 July 1611 and 9 June 1612. This handful of letters, together with an exchange of letters with Galileo's circle, testifies to the credit that Sarrocchi enjoyed among the intellectuals of her day, even for skills in astronomy, geometry and physics.
Sarrocchi and Galielo continuously wrote to one another. She sought advice on ''The Scanderbeide'' as well as corresponding about his findings. Sarrocchi defended Galileo and his discoveries, not only in letters directly to Galileo, but also in her letters to others.
Her correspondences with Galileo survived throughout the years, while many other of her works were less fortunate. Only seven of Sarrocchi and Galileo's letters corresponding to ''Scanderbeide'' exist today.
Sarrocchi was well known for her gatherings, or as they called them, "ridotto".
She would gather great minds of the time and discuss literature and scientific findings. Most notably, Galileo attended these gatherings. Galileo and Sarrocchi became correspondents. They discussed Galileo's new scientific findings, including Jupiter's satellites. As they grew closer, Sarrocchi even sent Galileo a copy of her writing, ''The Scanderbeide''.
Sarrocchi was concerned with the opinions of Galileo on the structure of ''The Scanderbeide''.
She knew that there would be many who criticized her work, so she sought the feedback of various intellectuals about ''The Scanderbeide''.
She wrote to Galileo and sent him numerous copies of ''The Scanderbeide'' until she would receive a copy with no annotations or suggestions. She even stated in one letter to Galileo that, "
hewill accept every criticism you make as a sign of your great kindness and great affection".
She strived to make the style more "Tuscan."
Together, they wrote to each other to enhance their works. Sarrocchi was looking for ways to enhance ''The Scanderbeide'', while Galileo was looking for support for his accomplishments in order to gain additional connections.
He sent Sarrocchi copies of ''Discourse on Floating Bodies'' (1612) and ''
Letters on Sunspots
'' Letters on Sunspots '' (''Istoria e Dimostrazioni intorno alle Macchie Solari'') was a pamphlet written by Galileo Galilei in 1612 and published in Rome by the Accademia dei Lincei in 1613. In it, Galileo outlined his recent observation of dark ...
'' for her input.
Through her correspondence with Galileo, much is revealed about ''The Scanderbeide'', such as its composition, linguistic characteristics, and writing style.
Because Sarrocchi was an educated woman of the time, she sought support from Galileo, and in return, she supported Galileo's astronomical research.
With Galileo's help in writing ''The Scanderbeide'', she offered him a spot in her book. She would use the names of his ancestors and even his own name as characters in the poem. However, his name was never edited into ''The Scanderbeide''.
Sarrocchi was a member of the Roman academies of the
Umoristi and Ordinati and of the
Accademia degli Oziosi
The Accademia degli Oziosi (Academy of the Idle) was the most famous Neapolitan literary academies of the Renaissance.
History
The Accademia degli Oziosi was founded in 1611 by Giovanni Battista Manso, Marquis of Villa. The Academy was official ...
in Naples.
Although Sarrocchi and Galileo mainly wrote to one another about ''The Scanderbeide'' and possible edits the author should make to her poem, they also wrote about Galileo and his discoveries. Sarrocchi promised to defend him and his findings in return for his advice on her writing. However, after 1613, their letters stopped and there is no further evidence of their correspondence.
Sarrocchi ended up in Galileo's widespread group of friends due to their correspondence over their scientific and literary works. Galileo intended Sarrocci to be a liaison in his
Copernican overtaking of Rome. However, Sarrochi was orthodox, and Galileo's intense Copernican views dissuaded her. The changes in her views of Galileo foiled his plans to use Sarrochi as a way to infiltrate Rome.
Works
The ''Scanderbeide''
The ''Scanderbeide'', inspired by the exploits of the
Albanian
Albanian may refer to:
*Pertaining to Albania in Southeast Europe; in particular:
**Albanians, an ethnic group native to the Balkans
**Albanian language
**Albanian culture
**Demographics of Albania, includes other ethnic groups within the country ...
freedom fighter
Scanderbeg
, reign = 28 November 1443 – 17 January 1468
, predecessor = Gjon Kastrioti
, successor = Gjon Kastrioti II
, spouse = Donika Arianiti
, issue = Gjon Kastrioti II
, royal house = Kastrioti
, father ...
, was published in Rome by Lepido Faci in 1606, incomplete (eleven cantos out of the intended twenty-four) and with many errors. It did not appear again until 1623, when it was published, posthumously, in Rome, for Andrea Fei, in twenty-three cantos, in an almost complete state.
[Reichenbach 1936, n.p.]
The main character, Scanderbeg, was born in 1405. Scanderbeg fought against the Turks, who were a part of the Ottoman Empire and were great enemies of the Roman Church.
In 1443 at the
Battle of Niš in Serbia, Scanderbeg and his nephew
Hamza Kastrioti
Hamza Kastrioti ( la, Ameses Castriota) or Bernardo Kastrioti (after his conversion to Christianity), was a 15th-century Albanian nobleman and the nephew of George Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Probably born in Ottoman territory, after the death of his ...
defected after the Hungarians overcame the Ottomans.
Together Scanderbeg and Kastrioti took fortresses, including Kruja.
He relinquished his Islamic faith and fought to maintain his lands and create alliances.
These alliances were complex and, at times, unstable.
The alliances were eventually called the League of the Albanian People.
Scanderbeg was a skilled leader and fighter, which allowed him to be successful politically and militarily.
Scanderbeg attempted to crusade against the Ottomans by working with the church.
However, these attempts were not fruitful.
Scanderbeg died in Alessio from malaria during a time when his war was not looking favorable.
His wife and son moved to Italy.
As well as Sarrocchi seeking advice from Galileo on ''The Scanderbeide'', she also gave Galileo the ability to add a dedication. She stated that she wanted him to write a dedication after reading her writing, to give an educated dedication if it was appropriate.
Translation
Rinaldina Russell, professor emerita of European languages and literatures at the
City University of New York
The City University of New York ( CUNY; , ) is the Public university, public university system of Education in New York City, New York City. It is the largest urban university system in the United States, comprising 25 campuses: eleven Upper divis ...
, Queen's College, has produced a partial translation of the ''Scanderbeide'' into English prose for the University of Chicago Press: ''Scanderbeide: The Heroic Deeds of George Scanderbeg, King of Epirus'' (October 2006).
Additional works
Sarrocchi contributed to many additional works, some of which are no longer present.
For instance, she published a geometry essay on the volume and gravity of solids titled "Ex geometria habentur aliquot eius demontrationes allata ab eodem Luca Valerio in suo Commentatio ad Euclidem."
In addition, she wrote a theological treatise about Dominican and Jesuit grace and free will called ''De praedestinatione''.
Furthermore, she provided commentary on ''Hero and Leander'', written by
Giovanni Della Casa
Giovanni della Casa (28 June 1503 – 14 November 1556), was a Florentine poet, writer on etiquette and society, diplomat, and inquisitor. He is celebrated for his famous treatise on polite behavior, '' Il Galateo overo de’ costumi'' (1558). Fr ...
.
Finally, she constructed a poem about
Felice Orsini
Felice Orsini (; ; 10 December 1819 – 13 March 1858) was an Italian revolutionary and leader of the ''Carbonari'' who tried to assassinate Napoleon III, Emperor of the French.
Early life
Felice Orsini was born at Meldola in Romagna, then p ...
for the verse anthology at the age of fifteen and created sonnets written with
Torquato Tasso
Torquato Tasso ( , also , ; 11 March 154425 April 1595) was an Italian poet of the 16th century, known for his 1591 poem ''Gerusalemme liberata'' (Jerusalem Delivered), in which he depicts a highly imaginative version of the combats between ...
that are believed to be concerned with a spiritual journey.
Additional interests
Sarrocchi was also well known for being interested in science, specifically astronomy. She was also very interested in astrology, specifically natal charts. However, her research and work in this area was diminished because she was a woman. She was frequently dismissed and her work was often manipulated by men.
References
Citations
Bibliography
* Cox, Virginia (2011)
''The Prodigious Muse: Women's Writing in Counter-Reformation Italy'' Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
* Mostaccio, Sara (24 September 2019)
"Chi è Margherita Sarrocchi, la prima donna a scrivere un poema epico" ''Elle.com''.
*
* Ray, Meredith K. (26 February 2016)
"First female epic poet, forgotten voice of the Renaissance and Galileo's pen pal" ''WHYY.org''.
* Ray, Meredith K. (2016)
''Margherita Sarrocchi's Letters to Galileo: Astronomy, Astrology, and Poetics in Seventeenth-Century Italy'' New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
* Reichenbach, di Giulio (1936)
"SARROCCHI, Margherita" ''
Enciclopedia Italiana di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti'' (Treccani.it)
* Verdile, Nadia (2014)
"Margherita Sarrocchi" ''Enciclopedia delle donne'' (enciclopediadelledonne.it)
(2021). ''Enciclopedia De Agostini'' (sapere.it)
"Sarròcchi, Margherita"(2017). ''Enciclopedia on line'' (Treccani.it)
External links
* Kaborycha, Lisa (4 January 2014)
"Margherita Sarrocchi" ''lisakaborycha.com''.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sarrocchi, Margherita
1560s births
1617 deaths
Italian women poets
16th-century Italian women writers
17th-century Italian women writers
Epic poets