Paolina Leopardi
Third born to Monaldo and Adelaide Antici, Paolina was born at Recanati in 1800. She studied well together with her brothers and with the same tutor (on this Giacomo dedicated his sister several affectionately ironic rhymes in 1810-1811, such as Alla Signora Contessa Paolina Leopardi, Dotta Grammatica, e Letterata, or Alla Signora Contessa Paolina Paolina L. Erudita Traduttrice di Marco T. C.: “Torno in campo a riverire / con novello, e grande ardire / l’erudita Signorina / dei dottori la Regina”).
Paolina continued her interest in literature and languages also as an adult, collaborating with her father in editing the paper “Voce della Ragione” or translating French texts such as Nocturnal journey around my room by Xavier de Maistre; for sure also to “escape” her oppressive family life and look for an opening with the outside world, which for almost all her life she was able to satisfy only through letter writing (her impassioned correspondence with Vittoria Lazzari Regnoli, daughter of Geltrude Cassi Lazzari, and her sisters Marianna and Anna Brighenti is available in print).
Paolina never married, despite several plans (in which Giacomo took active interest), and only when mature, after the death of her mother, was she able to give scope to her thirst for freedom: she went off on some trips, during one of which she died at Pisa, in 1869.
Her relationship with Giacomo was one of warm affection, through to the very last years, during which the letters to “Cara Pilla” testify to the persistence of their affection and confidential relationship (the most famous is that of 2nd May 1828 from Pisa, in which Leopardi announces he has composed “versi veramente all’antica, e con quel mio cuore di una volta/verses truly in the ancient style and with that heart that mine once was”: Il risorgimento and A Silvia). But for sure, Paolina’s name for readers remains tied to the Canti and the Canzone Nelle nozze della sorella Paolina.
