Notizie intorno all'umanista Luca Ripa, un presunto maestro dell'Ariosto

The article focuses on the life, relations and work of Luca Ripa (1431-1508), humanist from Reggio Emilia, thought to be the teacher of the young Ludovico Ariosto according to his biographers since Girolamo Baruffaldi. After a short summary of the reasons leading critics to attribute to this obscure humanist the literary training of Ariosto, a vast review of hitherto ignored literary and documentary testimonies is presented, showing how Luca Ripa has been fundamental to the literary and poetical training of many important humanists between Emilia and Romagna who were active during the second half of the fifteen century. Ripa is especially deemed a master in Latin versification, but also a kind and wise teacher. In a further section, the article explores what is left of his production, relaying the compositions in verse or prose attributed to him in various humanistic miscellanea and in early printed books.