Researchers Look for Clues to Petrarch's Appearance

Submitted by Milica on Tue, 2003-11-11 16:58
Scientists in Italy will unearth the remains of Italian poet Petrarch in an effort to learn about his physical appearance. Vito Terribile Wiel Marin is a professor of pathological anatomy at the University of Padua, a study that has led him to the pursuit of the physical appearances of some of Italy's most famous people, including St. Anthony of Padua. The latest plan is to open the vault of the 14th century poet Petrarch who perfected the art of the sonnet.

"If the remains are in good condition, we will be able to find out what Petrarch looked like, his height and girth, and also his illnesses," said Marin.

In the 19th century, researchers studied Petrarch's bones, reporting that he was unnaturally tall. Marin hopes to compare his results with those and find the truth about the man who once said, "I was comely enough in my best days."

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