[Born at Venice, 1707. Died at Paris, 1793. Aged 86.]
The most celebrated Italian comic poet of the eighteenth century, and
the renovator of the comic stage in his country. When eight years old,
sketched out a play. After some reverses of fortune, settled in Paris,
where he wrote his last work, “Materials for a History of his Life and
Theatre.” He wrote 150 pieces for the stage, introducing all classes of
men, whom he described with surprising truth. He reformed the Italian
drama by extinguishing the fashion of playing in masks, and by doing
away with certain conventional characters before introduced into every
play. His works are not without the defects of an over-abundant and
extraordinarily rapid composition; but he has the great merit of
faithfully portraying men in their affections, their habits, follies,
and vices.
[By Leandro Biglioschi.]