Antonio Pigafetta

Place: Vicenza

Born: 1491

Death: 1531

Biography:

Antonio Pigafetta was a Venetian scholar and explorer from Italy, born in 1491 and died in 1531. He is best known for being the chronicler of the voyage led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, which became the first circumnavigation of the world.

Early Life and Education

Pigafetta was born into a prominent noble family in Vicenza, Italy. His father was Giovanni Pigafetta, and his mother was Lucia, daughter of Marco Muzan. Details of his education are unknown, but he later boasted of having "read many books". He entered the service of papal ambassador Francesco Chiericati, who was also from Vicenza.

Voyage around the World

In 1519, Pigafetta joined the Spanish expedition to the Spice Islands led by Magellan. He served as Magellan's assistant and kept an accurate journal of his observations during the voyage. The journal is considered one of the most important sources of information about the voyage and the first recorded document concerning the Cebuano language.

Artistic Contributions

Although Pigafetta was not a painter himself, his writings and journals have been illustrated by various artists, including Vittore Crivelli, Jacopo Bellini, and Antonio Stom. These illustrations can be found in the Museum Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy.

Legacy

Pigafetta's journal is a valuable resource for understanding the history of exploration and the art of navigation. His writings have been studied by many historians and scholars, including those at The Museum Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy. Pigafetta's legacy can also be found in the Venetian Painting Art Movement, which was influenced by his writings and observations.

• Antonio Pigafetta is considered one of the most important figures in the history of exploration.
• His journal is a valuable resource for understanding the history of navigation and the art of exploration.
• Pigafetta's writings have been illustrated by various artists, including Vittore Crivelli, Jacopo Bellini, and Antonio Stom.
• The Museum Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Italy, houses many of Pigafetta's writings and illustrations.

Pigafetta's life and writings can also be found on Wikipedia, which provides a detailed account of his biography and legacy. His story is an important part of the history of exploration and the art of navigation, and continues to inspire scholars and artists today.