Vittorio Alfieri (1749-1803).
After portrait by F.X. Fabre.
Count Vittorio Alfieri was an Italian tragic poet whose predominant theme was the overthrow of tyranny. In his tragedies he hoped to provide Italy with dramas comparable to those of other European nations. Through his lyrics and dramas he helped to revive the national spirit of Italy and earned the title of precursor of the Risorgiomento. Alfieri travelled through most of Europe and in England he found the political liberty that became his ideal, and in France the literature that influenced him most profoundly.
Fabre, Francois, who painted Alfieri, was a French painter. After Alfieri’s death in 1803 his mistress Louise Maximilienne Caroline, countess of Albany, lived in the company of Fabre in Florence. She bequeathed all her property to him.
He was under influence the thoughts of Pousseaus about freedom and that the emotions should have precedence over the senses. He did fight a hard battle to wake the Italian patriotism, national awareness, and he wanted the independence for Italy not only to be of cultural character, but also as a national state. The Italian national state was indissoluble linked with the fight for political freedom.
Michel 376, Sassone 306, AFA 322
Date of issue: 1932
Face value: 25 c.
Date created: 22/03/00 11:41:47