Famous Italian Critics & Connoisseurs

Renata Adler is an accomplished American author, journalist, and film critic with an extensive career spanning over thirty years. She held significant positions at prestigious publications such as The New Yorker and The New York Times, where she served as a staff writer-reporter and chief film critic, respectively. Adler's body of work includes a variety of fiction and non-fiction books that have earned her recognition in the literary world. Throughout her career, she has been honored with prestigious awards such as the O. Henry Prize, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the PEN/Hemingway Award.

Giosuè Carducci was an Italian poet, writer, literary critic, and teacher who played a significant role in shaping modern Italian literature. He was highly influential and considered the official national poet of Italy. In 1906, he made history by becoming the first Italian to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. The Swedish Academy praised his deep knowledge, critical research, creative energy, fresh style, and lyrical force displayed in his poetic works. Carducci's professional life was marked by his profound impact on Italian literature and his prestigious accolades.

Lorenzo Valla was an Italian Renaissance humanist, rhetorician, educator, and scholar known for his historical-critical textual analysis. He gained fame for proving the Donation of Constantine to be a forgery, challenging the papacy's claim to temporal power. His work had a significant impact, leading some to view him as a precursor to the Reformation. Valla's contributions to scholarship and his critical approach to historical texts established him as a prominent figure in the intellectual landscape of his time.

Giovanni Papini was a multifaceted Italian literary figure known for his work as a journalist, essayist, novelist, poet, literary critic, and philosopher. He was a controversial and influential voice in the early to mid-twentieth century, promoting Italian pragmatism and engaging in heated polemics. Papini was involved in avant-garde movements such as futurism and post-decadentism, and his ideological shifts spanned anti-clericalism to Catholicism, interventionism to pacifism, and individualism to conservatism. His literary success began with works like "The Twilight of the Philosophers" and "A Finished Man", although his legacy was briefly overshadowed posthumously before being re-evaluated and appreciated once again.

Cesare Pavese was a multi-talented Italian writer known for his contributions as a novelist, poet, short story writer, translator, literary critic, and essayist. He is recognized as a significant figure in Italian literature and is considered one of the most influential writers of his era. Pavese's professional life was dedicated to producing a diverse body of work that explored various themes and genres, showcasing his versatility and skill as a writer across different forms of literature.

Remo Giazotto was an Italian musicologist, music critic, and composer known for his systematic catalog of Tomaso Albinoni's works. He served as a music critic and editor for prominent Italian music journals, held positions at the University of Florence and Accademia Nazionale di S. Cecilia, and directed chamber and international music programs for Italian state broadcaster RAI. Giazotto was also involved in editing composer biographies and is renowned for his work on the Adagio in G minor, claimed to be based on an Albinoni fragment.

Ennio Flaiano was a versatile Italian professional known for his contributions as a screenwriter, playwright, novelist, journalist, and drama critic. Collaborating closely with renowned director Federico Fellini, Flaiano co-wrote ten screenplays for some of Fellini's most iconic films, such as La Strada, La Dolce Vita, and 8½. Flaiano's work played a significant role in shaping the Italian cinema landscape, showcasing his talent for storytelling and his ability to capture the essence of complex human emotions on screen.

Germano Celant is a prominent figure in the art world, renowned as an art historian, critic, and curator. He is credited with coining the term "Arte Povera" to define the minimalist art movement of certain Italian artists post-WWII. Celant began his career with the Geneva art magazine Marcatrè before progressing to prestigious roles such as curator at the Guggenheim Museum in New York and Director of the Prada Foundation in Milan. Throughout his career, he has authored numerous books on art, solidifying his reputation as a leading authority in the field.

Giovanni Morelli was an Italian art critic known for his innovative "Morellian" technique in art history. He focused on identifying unique characteristics in artists' work through detailed examination of minor details, such as the portrayal of ears. His approach involved analyzing artists' unconscious shorthand and conventions, enabling him to attribute works to specific painters. Morelli's scholarly contributions revolutionized the field of art history, providing valuable insights into the techniques and styles of various artists. He was a prominent figure in the art world, leaving a lasting impact on the study of art.

Mario Praz was an Italian art and literature critic, as well as a scholar of English literature. His most famous work, The Romantic Agony, delved into the decadent, erotic, and morbid themes prevalent in European literature of the late 18th and 19th centuries. Originally published in Italian in 1930, the book was later translated and reprinted numerous times. Praz's expertise and deep understanding of these themes cemented his reputation as a leading authority in the field, influencing generations of scholars and readers alike.

Carlo Lizzani was a prominent figure in the Italian film industry, known for his work as a director, screenwriter, and critic. He made significant contributions to the world of cinema through his creative vision and storytelling prowess. Lizzani's films often explored complex themes and social issues, earning him recognition and acclaim both in Italy and internationally. His career spanned several decades, during which he left a lasting impact on Italian cinema through his diverse body of work that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike.

Francesco Algarotti was an Italian polymath known for his expertise in Newtonianism, architecture, and opera. He was a prominent figure in the intellectual circles of his time, counting Frederick the Great, Voltaire, and other leading authors among his friends and correspondents. Algarotti's professional life was characterized by his diverse talents as a philosopher, poet, essayist, anglophile, art critic, and art collector. His broad knowledge and connections allowed him to make significant contributions to various fields and establish himself as a respected figure in European intellectual circles.

Giorgio Caproni was an Italian poet, literary critic, and translator known for his proficiency in translating from French. He established himself as a prominent figure in Italian literature, with his works being recognized in prestigious events such as the 1948 Summer Olympics art competition. Caproni's professional life was marked by his dedication to poetry and literary criticism, where his contributions were highly regarded by his contemporaries. His translations from French further showcased his talent and versatility as a writer, solidifying his reputation as a significant figure in Italian letters.

Giuseppe Ungaretti was an Italian modernist poet, journalist, essayist, critic, and academic. He was a leading figure in the experimental trend of Ermetismo ("Hermeticism") and a significant contributor to 20th-century Italian literature. Initially influenced by symbolism and briefly aligned with futurism, Ungaretti gained recognition for his poetry, particularly his work "L'allegria" ("The Joy"), which he published while serving in World War I. Throughout his career, he worked as a journalist, foreign correspondent, and academic, ultimately holding a teaching position at the University of Rome.

Francesco De Sanctis was a prominent Italian literary critic, scholar, and politician known for his significant contributions to the study of Italian language and literature in the 19th century. He held a leading position as a critic and historian, playing a crucial role in shaping the understanding and appreciation of Italian literary works. De Sanctis's professional life was marked by his dedication to academic research, critical analysis, and political engagement, establishing him as a key figure in the cultural and intellectual landscape of his time.

Giorgio Manganelli was an Italian journalist, avant-garde writer, translator, and literary critic known for his leadership in the 1960s avant-garde literary movement in Italy as part of Gruppo 63. He was a baroque and expressionist writer who translated works by authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, T. S. Eliot, Henry James, and O. Henry into Italian. His experimental works, including "Hilarotragoedia" and "Centuria" which won the Viareggio Prize, showcase his innovative approach to fiction. Manganelli's unique style and inventive use of language earned him praise from fellow writer Italo Calvino.

Gregor von Rezzori's professional journey was diverse and distinguished. Despite initial studies in mining, medicine, and architecture, he ultimately graduated in arts. Fluent in multiple languages, he excelled as a journalist, showcasing his versatility and command over various subjects. Known for his literary prowess, von Rezzori gained recognition for his range of works, from light novels to more profound pieces like "Memoirs of an Anti-Semite." His ability to navigate different genres and themes solidified his reputation as a skilled and accomplished writer.

Lodovico Castelvetro was a significant contributor to the neo-classical movement, particularly in drama. His interpretation and dissemination of Aristotle's principles greatly influenced the adoption of the Three Unities as a standard in dramatic works. Castelvetro's professional life was dedicated to promoting these neo-classical ideals, impacting the structure and content of theatrical productions. Born in Modena, Italy, he played a pivotal role in shaping the dramatic landscape of his time before passing away in Chiavenna.

Niccolò de' Niccoli was an Italian Renaissance humanist based in Florence, Italy. He played a key role in the intellectual circle sponsored by Cosimo de' Medici. Niccoli's significant contributions to classical literature included his meticulous work as a copyist and editor of ancient manuscripts. He was known for correcting texts, organizing chapters, and creating tables of contents. His efforts helped preserve and enhance the understanding of classical works, making him a respected figure in the intellectual and literary community of his time.

Marco Santagata was a distinguished Italian academic, writer, and literary critic known for his significant contributions to the field of literature. Throughout his career, he held various prestigious positions within academia, allowing him to impart his knowledge and passion for Italian literature to students and colleagues alike. Santagata's analytical and critical insights were highly regarded in academic circles, and his written works further solidified his reputation as an influential figure in the world of literary criticism.

Anna Banti was a multifaceted professional known for her work as an Italian writer, art historian, critic, and translator. Throughout her career, she made significant contributions to the fields of literature and art history with her insightful writings and critiques. As a translator, she played a crucial role in bringing literary works to a wider audience. Banti's passion for the arts and her dedication to her craft solidified her reputation as a respected figure in the cultural landscape of Italy.

Francesco Scipione Maffei was an Italian writer and art critic known for his numerous articles and plays. He was an antiquarian with a humanist education, particularly recognized for his publications on Etruscan antiquities, which are considered foundational works in the field of Etruscology. Maffei engaged in intellectual debates with his contemporary, Antonio Francesco Gori, on topics related to antiquities. His professional life was marked by a dedication to scholarly pursuits and a commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of art and antiquities.

Lucius Aelius Stilo Praeconinus was an esteemed philologist of the Roman Republic, known for his work as a writer of speeches and his expertise in various academic fields. He taught and engaged in literary pursuits, influencing notable figures such as Varro and Cicero. With a strong leaning towards Stoicism, he critically analyzed works of literature, including the hymns of the Salii and comedies attributed to Plautus. His legacy includes a potential glossographical work and possible authorship of the rhetorical treatise Ad Herennium.

Gasparo Gozzi was an accomplished Italian writer, playwright, and critic known for his moralistic prose and verse works. He gained recognition for his literary talents through his plays, essays, and translations, such as Jean-François Marmontel's Tales and Alexander Pope's Essay on Criticism. Gozzi also ventured into journalism by founding the Gazzetta Veneta and L'Osservatore Veneto. He later held important public offices in Padua and Venice, where he contributed to the development of printing and education systems. His legacy includes being a respected literary figure in Italy.

Emilio Cecchi was an influential Italian literary critic, art critic, and screenwriter known for his radical anti-academic stance. His career included serving as the artistic director at Cines Studios, Italy's top film company, in 1931 for over a year. Additionally, he directed two short documentaries in the late 1940s. Cecchi's work and influence extended beyond traditional academic circles, making him a notable figure in Italian intellectual and artistic spheres during the early to mid-20th century.