Nicolaus Avancini
Nicolaus Avancini was a notable figure in the 17th century, born in Tyrol, Austria, in 1611, and of Italian heritage. He joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) early in life, eventually taking on significant roles in academia as the chair of rhetoric and philosophy at the University of Graz and later chair in theology in Vienna. Avancini's leadership extended to serving as rector of Jesuit colleges in Vienna, Graz, and Passau, as well as provincial and visitor of various regions within the Jesuit order. He is perhaps best known for his influential work, "Meditations of the Life and Doctrines of Jesus Christ," a prayer guidebook published in Latin and translated into multiple languages, which reflects his theological focus.
In addition to theological writings, Avancini authored sermons and dramas, some specifically dedicated to the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I, capturing significant events in a manner reminiscent of Shakespeare. His dramatic works adopted a straightforward style, diverging from classical conventions and prioritizing commercial success over literary legacy. Avancini's contributions to drama competed with the popular Italian opera of his time. He passed away in Rome in 1686 at the age of seventy-five, leaving behind a varied and impactful body of work.
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Subject Terms
Nicolaus Avancini
Nonfiction Writer, Poet and Playwright
- Born: December 1, 1611
- Birthplace: Brez, Tyrol, Austria
- Died: December 6, 1685
- Place of death: Rome, Italy
Biography
Nicolaus Avancini was born in Tyrol, Austria, in 1611 of Italian descent. At a young age, he entered the priesthood as a member of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). For many years, he served as the chair for rhetoric and philosophy at the university in Graz, and later he was the chair in theology in Vienna. Among Avancini’s other accomplishments, he was the rector of the Colleges at Vienna, Graz, and Passau; Provincial of the Austrian province; Visitor of Bohemia; and, at the time of his death, assistant for the German provinces of the Jesuit Society and Austrian delegate to Rome.
Avancini published works on the subjects of theology, philosophy, and sacred texts. His most meaningful work was Meditations of the Life and Doctrines of Jesus Christ. The work, a prayer guidebook, was originally published in Latin, but was translated into several European languages. In addition to his longer works, Avancini also wrote sermons and dramas. Several of his dramas were dedicated to the Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I, glorifying events such as his coronation and marriages in much the same nonsycophantic way that William Shakespeare had done a century earlier.
Avancini wrote his dramas in a contemporary plain style, paying no heed to classical methods and writing strictly to pursue profits rather than create a literary legacy for future generations. He made full use of new developments such as the transitional stage when he put on productions. His dramas vied with the ornate Italian opera for theatrical supremacy. In 1686, Nicolaus Avancini passed away in Rome at the age of seventy- five.