Herrera, Fernando de (c. 1534–1597)

Spanish poet. Admiring the Italian poets, he was largely responsible for introducing their metrical systems into Spain. His lyrical poetry, influenced by Petrarch, celebrates his platonic love for the countess of Gelves. Herrera's odes, especially those on the Battle of Lepanto and Don Juan of Austria, and his elegies on King Sebastian of Portugal and the English statesman Thomas More, are marked by grandeur, melody, and profundity.