September 5, 2013 – With a new 2 euro collector coin, Italy celebrates and commemorates the 700th anniversary of Giovanni Boccaccio, friend of Petrarch, modern and innovative artist of the 14th century.
Italy / 2 EUR / copper, nickel and brass / 8.50 g / 25.75 mm / Design: Claudia Momoni / Mintage: 12.000.
Together with Dante and Petrarch, Giovanni Boccaccio (1313 – 21st December 1375) is one of the most important 14th century Italian poets and writers. Among his many other literary works, the ‘Decameron’ is his real masterpiece and therefore influenced European literature.
Statue of Giovanni Boccaccio outside the Uffizi, Florence. Source: Wikipedia.
With his modern and innovative style, Boccaccio proves to be a keen observer of reality, ready to represent it uncensored, blending poetry and irony. Man, with his vices and virtues, is a central figure in his works, where themes like fortune, cleverness and love intertwine in all their shadings.
For more information, please visit the website of the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato.
If you are interested in learning more about Boccaccio and his Decameron in particular, please have a look at the project Decameron Web.
And this is Giovanni Boccaccio’s facebook page (no kidding).