Web hosting Custom Email SiteBuilder

Francesco Algarotti (1712 - 1764)

Neoclassicist art critic, mathematical and scientific essayist, and philosopher. Born in Venice, he was largely responsible for spreading much of Venetian culture, especially the opera, through the rest of Europe. Algarotti studied at the Universities of Rome, Bologna, and Florence before settling in Paris in 1732. There he became a sensation, not only for his wide knowledge and comprehension of the many advanced ideas of the period, but also for his physical beauty. Though a genius, Algarotti was also more than a bit of a misogynist and a snob. In 1737, he published his first pamphlet, Newtonianism for the Ladies, a patronizingly simplified guide to the optical theories of Isaac Newton,  based on the chauvenistic (and incorrect) idea extant at the time that women held enough intelligence to appreciate the scientific advances happening around them, but lacked the common sense to understand them in anything but laymen's terms. His other, more admirable works included highly urbane essays on architecture, the opera, and painting. His friends, admirers, and possible lovers included Voltaire, Frederick the Great, and LordHervey. After living in Prussia for several years as Frederick's guest, Algarotti was forced by illness to return to his native Italy. He died in Pisa.

KeywordTitleAuthor