La Cleopatra (poem)

La Cleopatra is an 1632 epic poem in 13 songs by Girolamo Graziani (1604–1674). The work was very successful at the time and was praised by many famous writers, including Fulvio Testi.

The Plot

It deals with the story of love and war of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. It is full of pathetic-sentimental scenes that drag towards the end granted with the final double suicide (Cleopatra commits suicide, after witnessing the suicide of Mark Antony).

Curiosity

It contains a prophecy in which Proteus vaticinates the Este's Kinship from Augustus.

Editions

• Venice, Sarzina, 1632
• Venice, 1633
• Bologna, Per Carlo Zenero, 1652
• Venice, Francesco Brogiollo, 1670

Bibliography

• Camillo Marchesini, Vita del Conte Girolamo Gratiani, now in: Giulio Bertoni, Vita del Conte Girolamo Graziani scritta da Camillo Marchesini, "Studi e documenti", vol. 1, fasc. II, (sept. 1937-XV), pages 131-5.
• Girolamo Tiraboschi, Biblioteca Modenese, Modena, Soliani, 1783, tomo III, pagg. 12-22.

Notes

Sources