Giovambattista Andreini

Giovambattista Andreini (born Feb. 9, 1579?, Florence [Italy]—died June 7/8, 1654, Reggio nell’Emilia) was an actor of commedia dell’arte and son of Francesco and Isabella Andreini. Giovambattista was also the author of the play Adamo (“Adam”), which, it has been claimed, suggested the idea of Paradise Lost to John Milton.

Andreini began his stage career with the Compagnia dei Gelosi founded by his parents, but about 1601 he formed his own troupe, the Compagnia dei Fedeli, and toured Italy until 1613, when the company was invited to Paris by Marie de Médicis, to whom he dedicated his play Adamo (1613). In 1618 he returned to Italy for three years, then traveled back to Paris in 1621, again at the invitation of Marie, where he played at the Hôtel de Bourgogne until 1624 and again in 1625. He acted throughout Europe nearly until he died. His writings include several ecclesiastical dramas, some religious poems, and a number of comedies.