Marko Marulić, Croatian poet (b. 1450)

Marko Marulić: The Father of Croatian Literature and a Renaissance Polymath

Marko Marulić Splićanin, known in Latin as Marcus Marulus Spalatensis (born August 18, 1450, in Split – died January 5, 1524, in Split), was a towering figure of the Croatian Renaissance. A remarkable polymath from Split, a vibrant Adriatic city, he distinguished himself across multiple disciplines as an esteemed Croatian poet, a discerning lawyer, a fair judge, and a profound Renaissance humanist. His multifaceted contributions have secured his place as the national poet of Croatia, reflecting his pivotal role in shaping the nation's literary identity.

Pivotal Works and Enduring Literary Legacy

The Coiner of "Psychology"

Among his most significant and globally recognized contributions, Marulić is credited with coining the term "psychology." This groundbreaking coinage appeared in the title of his Latin treatise, Psichiologia de ratione animae humanae (Psychology, On the Nature of the Human Soul), a work that explored the intricate workings of the human mind and soul. This early application of the term underscores his forward-thinking intellectual pursuits and his contribution to the nascent field of mental studies.

Judita: A Cornerstone of Croatian Literature

Marulić's epic poem, Judita (written in 1501, published in 1521), stands as an undisputed masterpiece and a foundational text in Croatian literature. According to literary scholar George J. Gutsche, Judita holds the distinction of being "the first long poem in Croatian" and grants Marulić a position in his native literature comparable to that of Dante Alighieri in Italian literature, particularly for his seminal work, the Divine Comedy. Written in the vernacular Čakavian dialect of Croatian, Judita is a biblical epic based on the Old Testament Book of Judith, recounting the heroic tale of a widow who saves her city from an invading army. This theme resonated deeply with the contemporary challenges faced by Croatia, particularly the looming threat of the Ottoman Empire, making it a powerful symbol of national resilience and hope.

"The Christian Virgil": A Master of Latin Poetry

Beyond his Croatian vernacular works, Marulić's Latin poetry achieved such exceptional quality that his contemporaries lauded him with the epithet "The Christian Virgil." This esteemed title reflects his profound mastery of classical Latin, reminiscent of the Roman epic poet Virgil, combined with a fervent dedication to Christian themes. His most notable Latin epic, the Davidiad, an extensive work chronicling the life of King David, exemplifies this synthesis, blending classical epic conventions with biblical narrative, thus earning him widespread admiration across Europe.

Intellectual Foundations and Breadth of Work

Marulić's intellectual prowess was rooted in a rich blend of sacred and classical learning. As noted by Marulić scholar Bratislav Lučin, this erudite notary of Split was remarkably well-versed in both the Christian Bible and the writings of the revered Fathers of the Church. Simultaneously, Marulić meticulously engaged with pre-Christian Greek and Latin classics. He diligently read and interpreted Latin epigrams, meticulously wrote glosses on the lyrical poetry of Catullus, delved into Petronius' satirical novel Satyricon, and held great admiration for Erasmus of Rotterdam, the "prince of humanists" of his era. This profound synthesis of Christian theology and classical humanism characterized Marulić's unique literary voice, enabling him to compose a diverse array of works, including:

• Epic works of Christian poetry, showcasing his profound faith.
• Humanist elegies, reflecting on universal human experiences and classical themes.
• Satirical and even erotic epigrams, demonstrating the breadth of his literary interests and his willingness to explore varied genres.

Enduring Influence and Rediscovery

Despite the immense adoration and envy Marulić's Renaissance Latin writings garnered across Europe during his lifetime, they, like much of Renaissance Humanist literature, eventually faded into relative obscurity with the advent of new literary tastes and the rise of vernacular languages. However, as Bratislav Lučin observes, the inexorable passage of time has gradually unveiled the significant and far-reaching web of influence that this singular Croatian poet and writer successfully wove not only throughout Europe but far beyond its geographical borders. Marulić's works resonated deeply with and were admired by a remarkable array of influential figures:

• Churchmen: Including prominent figures like Sts. Francis Xavier (a pioneering Jesuit missionary), Francis de Sales (Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church), Peter Canisius (an influential Jesuit theologian), and Charles Borromeo (Archbishop of Milan).
• Monarchs and Statesmen: Such as King Henry VIII of England, Sir Thomas More (the esteemed English humanist and statesman), and Emperor Charles V (Holy Roman Emperor and ruler of vast territories).
• Poets and Humanists: Including Jan Dantyszek (a Polish diplomat and poet), Conrad Peutinger (a German humanist and antiquarian), and Francisco de Quevedo (a celebrated Spanish writer).

This diverse list underscores the widespread and profound impact of Marulić's moral and literary works across various intellectual, religious, and political spheres of early modern Europe. More recently, Marulić's enduring legacy was honored when Pope John Paul II quoted from one of his poems during his significant Apostolic Visit to Solin, Croatia, in 1998, further solidifying his timeless relevance and national importance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marko Marulić

Who was Marko Marulić?

Marko Marulić (1450-1524) was a Croatian poet, lawyer, judge, and Renaissance humanist from Split. He is celebrated as the national poet of Croatia and is recognized for his significant contributions to both Croatian and Latin literature.

What is Marko Marulić most famous for?

Marulić is most famous for authoring the first long poem in Croatian literature, Judita, and for coining the term "psychology" in the title of his Latin treatise, Psichiologia de ratione animae humanae. He was also known as "The Christian Virgil" due to the high quality of his Latin poetry, particularly his epic Davidiad.

Why is Judita important to Croatian literature?

Judita is crucial because it was one of the first major literary works written in the Croatian vernacular (Čakavian dialect). Its biblical theme of national salvation resonated deeply with Croatians facing the Ottoman threat, establishing it as a foundational text for Croatian national identity and literature.

Who called Marulić "The Christian Virgil"?

Marulić's contemporaries bestowed upon him the title "The Christian Virgil" in recognition of his exceptional command of classical Latin and his ability to compose epic poetry with Christian themes in a style reminiscent of the Roman poet Virgil.

What was Marulić's intellectual background?

Marulić's intellectual background was a unique blend of Christian theology and classical humanism. He was deeply knowledgeable in the Christian Bible and the Fathers of the Church, while also being an avid reader and interpreter of pre-Christian Greek and Latin classics, including Catullus and Petronius, and an admirer of Erasmus of Rotterdam.

Was Marko Marulić's influence widespread?

Yes, Marulić's influence was incredibly widespread across Europe. His writings were admired by prominent churchmen (e.g., St. Francis Xavier, Charles Borromeo), monarchs and statesmen (e.g., King Henry VIII, Thomas More, Emperor Charles V), and other poets and humanists, underscoring his significant impact on the intellectual and religious currents of his time.