[Born at Rome, 1698. Died at Vienna, 1782. Aged 84.]
Born of poor parents. When ten years old, improvised in the streets of
Rome; then adopted and educated by Gravina, a rich juris-consult, who
left the poet all his fortune. Forty editions of Metastasio’s works were
published before his death. He wrote many tragic operas, besides
numerous smaller compositions. Invited by Charles VI. of Austria, he
settled in Vienna, and received the title of Imperial Poet. His style is
singularly chaste, harmonious, and elegant. Attracted to, and attracting
by, the delineation of characters, morally pure and elevated. Pathetic,
but his passion lacks individuality. When we have read a few of his
works, we have read all. In person tall and commanding.
[By Ceracchi. There is a fine bust of him by Vinnazar of Vienna.
Metastasio was buried in St. Michael’s Church, at Vienna, but the
place is not known.]