Ludovik Paskvalić in the Light of Literary History up to the 20th Century

Abstract

Ludovik Paskvalić, an illustrious poet of the Renaissance era from Kotor, stands as a remarkable figure whose literary contributions left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. His poetry books “Rime volgari” and “Carmina” are printed in Serenissima, reflecting his choice to explore the realms of poetic expression in foreign languages, aligning with the ethos of his time and the socio-cultural circumstances in which he thrived. This choice, however, had unintended consequences, leading to decades of neglect and obscurity in academic circles focusing on regional languages. The subject of this paper is a chronological presentation of the mentions of the poet that we have encountered through literary histories. Through this scholarly journey, the research not only highlights the gradual expansion of Paskvalić’s reception, but also addresses and rectifies misinterpretations that pervaded earlier analyses. This study represents a seminal advancement in the field of academia, unveiling the earliest reference to the renowned poet dating back to the 16th century, thus making strides beyond prior studies that had solely outlined the poet’s reception in foreign anthologies during the 18th century. This advancement opens avenues for reevaluating the broader literary context in which Paskvalić’s works circulated and gained prominence. As scholars reexamine the poet’s oeuvre with this newfound historical context, fresh perspectives and deeper insights into his artistic journey and reception will undoubtedly emerge. Furthermore, this discovery emphasizes the necessity of critically reevaluating historical sources to rectify misinterpretations and fill gaps in our knowledge. The methodological approach of this investigation is anchored in the realms of comparative and literary-historical analysis, drawing upon extensive research within the Slavic world to illuminate the intricacies of Paskvalić’s journey through literary reception. The aim of this paper is not only to provide a comprehensive and well-organized chronological presentation of the poet's reception but also to meticulously scrutinize and highlights irregularities in the citations that have been hitherto overlooked. In addition, the aim of the paper is to establish a practice in the science of citing the new first mention of Paskvalić, which is older than what is known so far and which dates back to the time of the poet’s contemporaries. In the realm of literature, Paskvalić’s significance resonates profoundly, transcending the languages in which he eloquently penned his verses. Through this inquiry, the paper sheds light on the profound importance of understanding the poet’s legacy and reception, as it offers invaluable insights into the broader literary and cultural milieu of the Renaissance period. Paskvalić is more important for us than for the literature of the languages in which he wrote his poems. Due to everything mentioned above, it is possible to create a comprehensive picture of the reception of the poet through cumulative observation and reflection. As researchers delve deeper into the complexities of Paskvalić’s literary journey, this paper can serve as an exemplary foundation, inspiring future researchers to continue unraveling the rich tapestry of this esteemed poet’s life and art.