Bronzino, the renowned Mannerist painter from Florence, was also a poet. One of his famous sonnets is dedicated to Laura Battiferri, his muse. Here is a translation of one of his sonnets:
**Sonnet for Laura Battiferri**
"I sing, in endless grief, the bitter pain
Of him who holds his tongue about his flame;
I weep for him who does not dare to claim
The strength to ask for pity, though in vain.
And I lament, although it is in vain,
The cruel fate that conquers in my flame;
I mourn the heaven and the noble name
Which makes me, all unworthy, seek to gain.
I burn for one who is so far removed,
Who never of my torments feels a care,
So hard she is to any faithful heart.
To me she came down from her native air,
And through her pity, which I loved, has proved
How much in love the loving lovers part."
This poem captures the unrequited love and the torment of desire, reflecting themes common in Renaissance poetry.
