Conobbi, Quanto Il Ciel Gli Occhi M' Aperse
The poem describes the speaker's encounter with a beloved woman, recalling how her eyes opened his to the beauty of the world. The speaker is struck by her gaze, which illuminates and transforms him, making him aware of the beauty that surrounds him. The poem explores the themes of love, beauty, and transformation.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1343 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Sonnet · 183 words
First lines
HER PRAISES ARE, COMPARED WITH HER DESERTS, BUT AS A DROP TO THE OCEAN.
So far as to mine eyes its light heaven show'd, So far as love and study train'd my wings, Novel and beautiful but mortal things From every star I found on her bestow'd: So many forms in rare and varied mode Of heavenly beauty from immortal springs My panting intellect before me brings, Sunk my weak sight before their dazzling load.
Hence, whatsoe'er I spoke of her or wrote, Who, at God's right, returns me now her prayers, Is in that infinite abyss a mote: For style beyond the genius never dares; Thus, though upon the sun man fix his sight, He seeth less as fiercer burns its light.
MACGREGOR.
What this Textopian page supports
Conobbi, Quanto Il Ciel Gli Occhi M' Aperse is listed on Textopian as a poem by Francesco Petrarca, dated 1343 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Francesco Petrarca
- Date: 1343 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Sonnet, Philosophical Poetry, Religious Poetry
- Length: 183 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Conobbi, Quanto Il Ciel Gli Occhi M' Aperse by Francesco Petrarca
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Conobbi, Quanto Il Ciel Gli Occhi M' Aperse?
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- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- I Begli Occhi Ond I Fui Percosso In Guisa by Francesco Petrarca
- Io Temo Si De Begli Occhi L Assalto by Francesco Petrarca
- Po Ben Puo Tu Portartene La Scorza by Francesco Petrarca
- Aura Che Quelle Chiome Bionde E Crespe by Francesco Petrarca
- I Piansi Or Canto Che L Celeste Lume by Francesco Petrarca
- Amor Che Ncende L Cor D Ardente Zelo by Francesco Petrarca
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal expression and emotional depth, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, beauty, and the sublime reflect the ideals of Romanticism.
- Sonnet — The structure and style align with the sonnet form, which is prominent in Petrarch's work.
- Philosophical Poetry — Explores themes of existence, perception, and the nature of beauty, indicative of philosophical inquiry.
Tags
love · nature · beauty · poetry · Italian literature · Renaissance · emotion · spirituality · desire · reflection · human experience · lyricism
More by Francesco Petrarca
- Fifteen sonnets of Petrarch (1350)
- Voi, Ch' Ascoltate in Rime Sparse Il Suono (1343)
- Per Far Una Leggiadra Sua Vendetta (1343)
- Era 'L Giorno Ch' Al Sol Si Scoloraro (1343)
- Quel Ch' Infinita Providenza Ed Arte (1343)
- Quand' Io Movo I Sospiri a Chiamar Voi (1344)
- Si Traviato E 'L Folle Mio Desio (1343)
- La Gola E 'L Sonno E L' Oziose Piume (1344)
- All works by Francesco Petrarca