Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)

Francesco Petrarca, commonly known as Petrarch, was an Italian scholar and poet of the 14th century, often called the "Father of Humanism." He revived interest in classical Latin literature and emphasized the importance of personal emotion and individual experience. Petrarch is best known for his sonnets, which express love, longing, and introspection, influencing Renaissance literature. His work helped transition Europe from the medieval period to the Renaissance by fostering a renewed appreciation for human potential, history, and classical learning. Petrarch’s ideas laid groundwork for modern humanist thought and the study of the humanities.