Ascarelli, Devora (fl. 1601)

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Ascarelli, Devora (fl. 1601)

Jewish poet of Italy. Birth and death dates unknown; married Joseph Ascarelli, a merchant. First poetry published 1601–02.

Devora Ascarelli was an active participant in the Italian Renaissance as a translator and as a poet in her own right. Born into the Italian merchant class, Ascarelli was an extremely well-educated and devout woman. Married to the well-to-do merchant Joseph Ascarelli, she devoted much of her time to the religious education of her community by preparing translations of hymns and other religious works from Hebrew into Italian. She gained considerable fame for her translations, yet proved herself a talented poet as well, publishing verse on various religious themes in Italian. Her poetry shows a sense of morality combined with delight in the beauty of nature, a sense of spiritual rapture, and an unfailing devotion to God.

Laura York , Anza, California