Of the Sepulchres

work by Foscolo

Also known as: “Dei sepolcri”

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July 1, 2026

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"Of the Sepulchres" (Dei sepolcri) is a patriotic poem written in blank verse by Ugo Foscolo in 1807. It was composed as a protest against a decree by Napoleon that prohibited inscriptions on tombs. The poem explores the theme of inspiration derived from contemplating the tombs of great individuals. It is considered a significant work that influenced the Italian Risorgimento, or national revival. A passage praising Florence for preserving the remains of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo in the church of Santa Croce remains popular in Italy. The poem's title refers to tombs or final resting places for the dead.1234

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Ugo Foscolo
…his literary reputation with “Dei sepolcri” (Eng. trans., “Of the Sepulchres,” c. 1820), a patriotic poem in blank verse, written as a protest against Napoleon’s decree forbidding tomb inscriptions. In 1808 the poem won for its author the chair of Italian rhetoric at the University of Pavia. When the…
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…his literary reputation with “Dei sepolcri” (Eng. trans., “Of the Sepulchres,” c. 1820), a patriotic poem in blank verse, written as a protest against Napoleon’s decree forbidding tomb inscriptions. In 1808 the poem won for its author the chair of Italian rhetoric at the University of Pavia. When the…
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Italian literature
Romanticism
…a poem, “Dei sepolcri” (1807; “On Sepulchres”), in which, in fewer than 300 lines, he wrote lyrically on the theme of the inspiration to be had from contemplating the tombs of the great, exhorting Italians to be worthy of their heritage. This poem influenced the Italian Risorgimento, or national revival,…
Read More
…a poem, “Dei sepolcri” (1807; “On Sepulchres”), in which, in fewer than 300 lines, he wrote lyrically on the theme of the inspiration to be had from contemplating the tombs of the great, exhorting Italians to be worthy of their heritage. This poem influenced the Italian Risorgimento, or national revival,…
Read More