Giovanni della Casa (1503–56) was an Italian poet, diplomat, and clergyman best known for Il Galateo overo de’ costumi (1558,) a seminal treatise on etiquette. His works blend literary elegance with social and political insight, reflecting Renaissance intellectual currents.
Born in La Casa, Mugello, Tuscany, della Casa studied in Bologna, Florence, and Padua under distinguished scholars. He pursued a Church career, becoming Archbishop of Benevento (1544) and Papal Nuncio to Venice, navigating complex political and religious tensions, including efforts to counter Protestant influence.
Though aspiring to be a Cardinal, he never attained the position, retiring to focus on writing. His reflections on human nature, dignity, and decorum continue to shape discussions on etiquette and literary style.
His literary contributions include satirical verse, lyric poetry, and political writings. His most famous work, Il Galateo (1558,) remains one of Europe’s most influential etiquette books. Other notable works include Orazioni politiche (1707,) a collection of political discourses, and Rime, a compilation of his poetry.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Giovanni della Casa
We ought to esteem him alone an agreeable and good-natured man, who, in his daily intercourse with others, behaves in such a manner as friends usually behave to each other. For … a polite man, wherever he goes, seems as easy as if he were amongst his intimate friends.
—Giovanni della Casa
Regulate your manner of behaviour towards others, not according to your own humour, but agreeably to the pleasure and inclination of those with whom you converse.
—Giovanni della Casa
When you go into public, let your dress be genteel, and suitable to your age and station of life. He that does otherwise, shows a contempt of the world, and too great an opinion of his own importance.
—Giovanni della Casa
I cannot divine how it happens that the man who knows the least is the most argumentative.
—Giovanni della Casa
Topics: Conflict
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