BAPTISTA MANTUANUS

(1448-1516)

Spanish-born monk and poet active in Italy, originally named Baptista Spagnolo. He studied atMantuaandPaduaand became tutor to the children of theGonzagadynasty of Mantua. His early poetry was secular, largely devoted to praising the Mantuan court, but he abandoned his courtly life and entered the Carmelite order with such success that in 1513 he was elected general of the order. His later poetry was profoundly Christian, and many conservativehumanists(such asJohn Coletin England) who had reservations about letting young students read pagan poetry recommended using Mantuanus' works instead since they wereclassicalin language and form but thoroughly Christian and morally pure. HisEcloguesbecame a widely used school text, and he came to be known as "the Christian Vergil."