Aretino, Pietro (1492–1556)

Italian writer. He earned his living, both in Rome and Venice, by publishing satirical pamphlets while under the protection of a highly placed family. His ‘Letters’ 1537–57 are a unique record of the cultural and political events of his time, and illustrate his vivacious, exuberant character. He also wrote poems and comedies.

Aretino, born in Arezzo, began as a protégé of Pope Leo X, but left Rome after the publication of his lewd verses. He settled in Venice, and quickly became known as the ‘Scourge of Princes’ with his vicious satires on powerful contemporaries; he was also well paid for not taking up his pen.