Sonetti lussuriosi

work by Aretino

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The Sonetti lussuriosi, or "Lewd Sonnets," is a collection of poems by Pietro Aretino, an Italian writer known for his sharp satire and bold literary attacks. Published in 1524, this work contributed to Aretino's notoriety and led to his departure from Rome. The sonnets explore themes of carnality and corruption, often with a satirical edge, reflecting Aretino's cynical view of society and his self-proclaimed title as the "scourge of princes". Aretino's literary career spanned poetry, prose, and drama, with his letters and dialogues providing valuable insights into the political and social landscape of his time.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Pietro Aretino
…and his 1524 collection of Sonetti lussuriosi (“Lewd Sonnets”). From Rome he went to Venice (1527), where he became the object of great adulation and lived in a grand and dissolute style for the rest of his life. One of Aretino’s closest friends in Venice was the painter Titian, for…
Read More
…and his 1524 collection of Sonetti lussuriosi (“Lewd Sonnets”). From Rome he went to Venice (1527), where he became the object of great adulation and lived in a grand and dissolute style for the rest of his life. One of Aretino’s closest friends in Venice was the painter Titian, for…
Read More