Why was Giambattista Marino influential among 17th-century Italian poets?

Giambattista Marino was the most influential and representative poet of the 17th-century Italian Baroque period, serving as the founder of the school known as Marinism.12

His influence stemmed from his deliberate aim to "excite wonder" through novelty, a goal that resonated deeply with the aesthetic values of his age. Marino’s style was characterized by:2

• Technical Ingenuity: He employed fantastic "conceits," far-fetched metaphors, and hyperbole to create a sense of surprise.32
• Sensuality and Sonority: His work was noted for its musical quality and sensual imagery, which he applied to sonnets, madrigals, and narrative poems.32
• Mastery of Form: Despite the complexity of his style, he possessed superb technical skill that set him apart from his many imitators.12

While his imitators often carried his stylistic devices to such extremes that the term "Marinism" eventually became pejorative, his work was widely praised and translated across Europe during his lifetime, establishing him as the dominant figure in 17th-century Italian poetry.31