Razumovskaya, E. A. THE IMAGE OF HOMER IN FRANCESCO PETRARCH’S EPISTOLAE DE REBUS FAMILIARIBUS. Proceedings of Petrozavodsk State University. 2026;48(1):84–89. DOI: 10.15393/uchz.art.2026.1269


VIII International Conference "Russia and Greece: Dialogues of Cultures"

THE IMAGE OF HOMER IN FRANCESCO PETRARCH’S EPISTOLAE DE REBUS FAMILIARIBUS

Razumovskaya
E. A. 		Saratov State University
Keywords:
Renaissance humanism
Italian Renaissance
Homer
Francesco Petrarch
Epistolae De Rebus Familiaribus
artistic image		 Summary: The collection of letters, Epistolae De Rebus Familiaribus by Francesco Petrarch, offers a vivid portray- al of both his external circumstances and inner thoughts, while also outlining the circle of his correspondents, among whom the name of Homer appears. The reception of Homeric heritage within Petrarch’s epistolary has not been suffi- ciently explored, highlighting the importance of this study. This research focuses on the letters that contain explicit ref- erences to Homer, aiming to identify and describe the representation of Homer, as well as to understand his significance and functions within the collection. The methodology employed includes structural and comparative analysis. The find- ings reveal several key points: Homer’s name is directly mentioned in fifteen letters. More frequently, Petrarch speaks about Homer the person, drawing upon his life as a model for himself and his readers. The image of Homer the poet symbolizes the greatness of ancient poetry and the ideal of mentorship from the earliest and greatest masters; Homer is regarded as the source of classical poetry and rhetoric, and thus an obligatory part of cultus humanitatis. Alongside Homer’s name, Virgil – who is spiritually close – often appears, symbolizing the enduring link between generations of writers and poets, with Petrarch seeing himself as a link within this continuum. Although linguistic barriers prevent di- rect engagement with the “first of poets”, Petrarch eagerly seeks any opportunity for communication. Notably, his reply to a letter from an anonymous correspondent, written in the name of Homer’s shadow, comes next-to-last in the group of letters concluding the collection. Through this message, Petrarch not only expresses his profound respect for Homer but also delineates the circle of emerging humanist figures, among whom Homer’s name holds particular significance. This closing gesture also marks the conclusion of a major theme in the collection: the friendly communication among like-minded humanists.



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