Il ninfale fiesolano

work by Boccaccio

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July 1, 2026

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Il ninfale fiesolano is a narrative poem by Giovanni Boccaccio, written in ottava rima. It tells the story of the love between the shepherd Africo and the nymph Mensola. This work is considered part of Boccaccio's mature period, likely composed between 1344 and 1345.1

Boccaccio, an Italian poet and scholar, is renowned for his contributions to vernacular literature and for laying foundations for Renaissance humanism alongside Petrarch. While his most famous work is the Decameron, Il ninfale fiesolano showcases his skill in weaving tales of love and mythology within a poetic structure.12

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Giovanni Boccaccio
Early works
…Fiammetta (1343–44); and the poem Il ninfale fiesolano (perhaps 1344–45; “Tale of the Fiesole Nymph”), in ottava rima, on the love of the shepherd Africo for the nymph Mensola.
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…Fiammetta (1343–44); and the poem Il ninfale fiesolano (perhaps 1344–45; “Tale of the Fiesole Nymph”), in ottava rima, on the love of the shepherd Africo for the nymph Mensola.
Read More