Little of her mesmerising individualism has been passed on. As a heretical woman extinguished by the Inquisition, Vittoria Colonna disappeared from the collective consciousness of Europe for two centuries. In the nineteenth century she was rediscovered as Michelangelo's muse and has been in his shadow ever since without being granted an identity of her own. Who was she? No less than the female genius of Italian Renaissance. Her humanist education, a novelty for women of her age, spurred her on to maximise her intellectuality. Daringly, she questioned the abstraction of male systems of thought from her perspective of a woman concerned with life in its fullness, Her male contemporaries were amazed at this new woman and her „male brains“. Vittoria even proved congeniality with the intellectual pundits of her age, who exchanged letters with her. As a widow she rose to the status of the First Lady of Italy excelling in intellectuality. As an adherent of Reformed Theology she expressed the new spirituality in her sonnets instead of prayers, but also insisted on religious self-definition. She broke taboos imposed on women by their patriarchs. By audacious gender-crossing the poetess arrogated the male privilege of writing love-poetry. She did espress her female longing for marital love frustrated by a husband constantly absent in wars and amours. In her restless female resurgence she did not shape a conventional profile. Who pigeonholes her robs this female genius of her authenticity that can only be brought to light by presenting her live in her presence. Vittoria's lively complexity outshines all female types Renaissance literature, Shakespeare's women included.
Maria Dr. Musiol Knihy






Experience the vibrant life of Vittoria Colonna, a remarkable female genius of the Italian Renaissance. This book brings her character and contributions to life, highlighting her influence and the cultural context of her time. Through vivid storytelling, readers will gain insight into her artistic achievements and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated society.
Focusing on the sonnets, letters, and prose of Vittoria Colonna, this biography offers a thorough exploration of her life and influence. It delves into her relationships with contemporary thinkers and artists, providing insights into her contributions to literature and culture during her time. This comprehensive approach highlights her significance as a poet and intellectual, making it a valuable resource for understanding Colonna's legacy.
This reflection on Vittoria Colonna, a female genius of the Renaissance, highlights her vibrant personality and authentic poetry, which resonate across time. The author finds more connection with Colonna than with contemporary society, noting that her complexity inspires personal regeneration. Michelangelo's admiration for her inner dynamism is also emphasized.
Vittoria Colonna Authenticity of a Petrarchist Poet. Interpretation of Selected Sonnets
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This work presents the first systematic analysis of the macrothemes in Vittoria Colonna's poetry, featuring original Italian sonnets and English translations. It explores her as a key figure of Renaissance humanism, emphasizing her unique female authenticity and complex identity, rather than reducing her to simplistic labels.
Vittoria Colonna stands out as a unique godseeker, with her Rime Spirituali reflecting her timeless humanity. A more anthropological approach reveals her spiritual and intellectual poetry, focusing on her inner journey rather than mystic fulfillment. Colonna invites readers into an intimate dialogue, embodying Renaissance Humanism.
Vittoria Colonna emerged as a notable figure during the Renaissance, engaging with powerful leaders through her letters. After her husband's victory at Pavia, she sarcastically responded to Emperor Charles V's empty promises of gratitude. As her husband's diplomat, she adeptly navigated political challenges at the papal court, showcasing her intelligence and capabilities. In 1523, she was appointed Governor of Benevent, highlighting her exceptional abilities.
This collection of seven letters, two from Michelangelo and five from Vittoria Colonna, documents their exchanges during his work on the Last Judgement and the Conversion of Saint Paul. Their correspondence reveals Michelangelo's deep affection for Vittoria and highlights his artistic need for her presence, inspiring sensitive drawings that contrast with his usual style.
Was mich, angepasste "Brave-New-World'erin" in meiner zehnjährigen Symbiose mit Vittoria Colonna, in der ich sie nun schon forschend im Dunkel der Geschichte zu erhellen suche, an diesem weiblichen Genie der italienischen Renaissance so sehr faszinierte, dass ich ihr obsessiv verfiel, ist das Wunder ihrer unvergänglichen geistigen Lebendigkeit, die in allen Bereichen ihres Lebens, vor allem in ihrer Dichtung in intensiven Momenten ihres Seins aus einer tief menschlichen, zeitlosen Authentizität aufleuchtet und in ihr unbändige Aufbruchslust zu weiblicher Selbstbestimmung auslöste. Ihre unvergängliche Lebendigkeit überbrückt spielend ein halbes Millennium, das uns zeitlich trennt, und schafft eine intensive persönliche Nähe, so dass mir die geistige Auseinandersetzung mit dieser genialen Renaissancefrau größere Erfüllung schenkt als die Gespräche mit meinesgleichen und nicht nur das: In meinem zehnjährigen Umgang mit Vittoria Colonna wurde mir klar, wie sehr in den folgenden vier Jahrhunderten männlicher Fortschritt weiblichen Rückschritt bedeutete, dass sich aber in meiner Symbiose mit dieser authentischen Frau mein degeneriertes weibliches Bewusstsein dank ihrer größeren Komplexität regenerierte und sie mit ihrem weiblichen Selbstbewusstsein mir Auftrieb gab für ein eigenständigeres weibliches Leben. So kam mir die Idee, das Wunder ihrer Lebendigkeit in den Mittelpunkt eines zweiten Buches über Vittoria Colonna zu stellen. In diesem gewagten Unterfangen fühle ich mich durch Michelangelo bestärkt, den sie ebenfalls mit ihrer geistigen Vitalität bezauberte, so dass er in spontanen, innigen Zeichnungen die außergewöhnliche geistig-seelische Dynamik seiner geliebten Marchesa extrovertierte.
Die Kulturfibel bietet einen einzigartigen Einblick in die Welt des Bed & Breakfasts als Ort der Menschlichkeit in einer globalisierten Zeit. Verfasst von einer erfahrenen B&B-Lady und Literatin, lädt das Buch die Leser ein, die besonderen Erfahrungen und die herzliche Atmosphäre eines B&B selbst zu erleben. Es thematisiert die Werte der Gastfreundschaft und des menschlichen Miteinanders und vermittelt ein Gefühl von Gemeinschaft und Zugehörigkeit.