The image of Homer in Francesco Petrarch’s Epistolae De Rebus Familiaribus

The collection of letters, Epistolae De Rebus Familiaribus by Francesco Petrarch, offers a vivid portrayal of both his external circumstances and inner thoughts, while also outlining the circle of his correspondents, among whom the name of Homer appears. The reception of Homeric heritage within Petrarch’s epistolary has not been suffi - ciently explored, highlighting the importance of this study. This research focuses on the letters that contain explicit references to Homer, aiming to identify and describe the representation of Homer, as well as to understand his signifi cance and functions within the collection. The methodology employed includes structural and comparative analysis. The fi ndings reveal several key points: Homer’s name is directly mentioned in fi fteen letters. More frequently, Petrarch speaks about Homer the person, drawing upon his life as a model for himself and his readers. The image of Homer the poet symbolizes the greatness of ancient poetry and the ideal of mentorship from the earliest and greatest masters; Homer is regarded as the source of classical poetry and rhetoric, and thus an obligatory part of cultus humanitatis. Alongside Homer’s name, Virgil – who is spiritually close – often appears, symbolizing the enduring link between generations of writers and poets, with Petrarch seeing himself as a link within this continuum. Although linguistic barriers prevent direct engagement with the “fi rst of poets”, Petrarch eagerly seeks any opportunity for communication. Notably, his reply to a letter from an anonymous correspondent, written in the name of Homer’s shadow, comes next-to-last in the group of letters concluding the collection. Through this message, Petrarch not only expresses his profound respect for Homer but also delineates the circle of emerging humanist fi gures, among whom Homer’s name holds particular signifi cance. This closing gesture also marks the conclusion of a major theme in the collection: the friendly communication among like-minded humanists.