Page 112 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu

Pietro Boccamazza

In the waning days of Rome’s grandeur, Pietro Boccamazza, a young
nobleman of high birth and restless spirit, falls deeply in love with Agnolella,

the daughter of a respected but humble citizen. Their love, though mutual
and sincere, is deemed unacceptable by Pietro’s family, who scorn Agnolella’s
modest lineage. Undeterred by their disapproval, Pietro chooses passion over
pedigree and resolves to elope with her.

At dawn, the lovers mount their horses and flee toward Anagni, hoping to find
refuge with Pietro’s allies. But fate, ever mischievous, leads them astray. A
wrong turn brings them to the gates of a castle occupied by hostile soldiers.

Agnolella, quick and courageous, spurs her horse into the forest, escaping
capture. Pietro, however, is seized by the soldiers, enemies of his family, who
plan to hang him from a tree.

Just as the noose tightens around his fate, chaos erupts: rival soldiers storm

the castle, and in the confusion, Pietro escapes. Alone and desperate, he
wanders the forest, calling for Agnolella. He spends the night in a tree,
grieving and fearing for her safety.

Meanwhile, Agnolella finds shelter with an elderly couple who guide her to
the nearby castle of the Orsini family. The lady of the house, recognizing her,
offers protection and comfort. By sheer luck, or perhaps love’s divine hand,
IN THIS COMPOSITION, TENSION
Pietro stumbles upon shepherds who lead him to the same castle. There, the
AND TURBULENCE BEND REALITY,
lovers reunite in a moment of pure joy.
FIGURES COLLIDE IN A CHARGED
SWIRL OF LIMBS, BEASTS,
AND BLURRED GEOMETRY, The lady of the castle, moved by their devotion and the trials they’ve endured,
ECHOING THE DISORIENTATION
offers to reconcile Pietro’s family and fund their wedding. The tale ends with
OF PIETRO AND AGNOLELLA’S
FLIGHT THROUGH DANGER AND their marriage and return to Rome, not in disgrace, but in triumph, proof that
DEVOTION, love, when brave and true, can outwit even the cruelest turns of fortune.
DECAMERON 110 111