Roberto Caracciolo, il francescano che inventò la prospettiva

Dario Melissano 19 February 2025

Roberto Caracciolo, also known as Fra Roberto da Lecce, is a figure of considerable importance in the religious history of Italy in the 15th century, both for his role as bishop and for his extraordinary qualities as a preacher. He was born in 1425 in Lecce, from a noble family of Caraccioli, which boasted illustrious origins. His religious career began in the order of the Franciscans, precisely among the Minor Observants, and then continued with his entry into the Conventual Friars Minor around 1453.

Caracciolo quickly became known for his exceptional oratory skills, earning him significant titles such as “the new Paul” and “the prince of preachers.” His ability to communicate and entertain audiences was such that his sermons aroused great enthusiasm not only among the common people, but also among high-profile figures, including popes such as Nicholas V, Callixtus III, and Sixtus IV, as well as rulers such as Cosimo de’ Medici and Francesco Sforza.

During his career, Caracciolo held the prestigious post of papal chaplain and was later appointed preacher of the Royal Chapel of Naples. His influence also extended to significant historical events, such as the liberation of Otranto, which took place between 1480 and 1481, during which he actively participated alongside Alfonso, Duke of Calabria, in the fight against the Turkish forces that had invaded the city.

Among Caracciolo’s most important works are the “Sermones quadragesimales”, published in 1475, and the “Mirror of Faith”, published in 1495. These texts not only highlight his mastery in preaching, but also had a significant impact on the spirituality and religious culture of the time. He was the first to give a significant theoretical and technical impulse to the use of pictorial perspective.

He died on May 6, 1495 and was buried in the city of Lecce, precisely in the Church of San Francesco della Scarpa, where his epitaph was written by the famous poet Pontano, further underlining the importance and respect he enjoyed.

Roberto Caracciolo’s legacy lives on through the dissemination of his works and his lasting impact on the preaching and religious life of his time, making him a point of reference for future generations.

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Roberto Caracciolo, the Franciscan who invented perspective

Written by Dario Melissano

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Roberto Caracciolo, the Franciscan who invented perspective

Written by Dario Melissano

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