Origins & Early Life

Count Francesco Algarotti (11 December 1712 – 3 May 1764) was an Italian polymath, active as a philosopher, writer, anglophile, art critic and art collector. He was a man of broad knowledge, an expert in Newtonianism, architecture and opera. He was a friend of Frederick the Great and leading authors of his times: Voltaire, Jean-Baptiste de Boyer, Marquis d'Argens, Pierre-Louis de Maupertuis and the atheist Julien Offray de La Mettrie. Lord Chesterfield, Thomas Gray, George Lyttelton, Thomas Hollis, Metastasio, Benedict XIV and Heinrich von Brühl were among his correspondents.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Algarotti was born in Venice as the son of a rich merchant. His father and uncle were art collectors. Unlike his older brother, Bonomo he did not step into the company, but decided to become an author. Francesco obtained a classical education. He also studied natural sciences and mathematics at the Rome and experimental physics and medicine at the University of Bologna under Francesco Maria Zanotti who became a lifelong friend.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1728, he conducted experiments regarding optics. He was educated in his native Venice and in Rome and Bologna. His youthful curiosity led him to travel extensively...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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