Page 114 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu

Caterina and the Nightingale

In the sun-drenched region of Romagna, Messer Lizio da Valbona and his
wife Madonna Giacomina live in quiet nobility, cherishing their only daughter,
Caterina. Among their frequent guests is Ricciardo de’ Manardi da Brettinoro,
a young nobleman of good breeding and gentle disposition. He is treated

almost like a son, welcomed into their home with warmth and trust. But
beneath the surface of polite conversation and shared meals, a quiet love
blossoms between Ricciardo and Caterina.

Yet the strict decorum of the household leaves no room for romance. So the
lovers devise a plan as poetic as it is daring. As spring arrives and the nights grow
warm, Caterina complains of the stifling heat in her room. She begs her parents to
let her sleep on the balcony, claiming she wishes to hear the nightingale sing. Her

father, skeptical, initially refuses. But Caterina persists, and her mother, wearied
by her daughter’s complaints, convinces Messer Lizio to relent.

That night, Ricciardo climbs to the balcony and joins Caterina in her bed, hidden

behind modest curtains. The two spend the night wrapped in joy and quiet
laughter, listening to the nightingale’s song, a symbol of their love and longing.

At dawn, Messer Lizio checks on his daughter. Pulling back the curtain, he

finds Caterina asleep with Ricciardo, her hand resting on his “nightingale”,
THIS VISUAL FEELS LIKE A
a cheeky metaphor that Filostrato delivers with a wink and a grin. Shocked
LYRICAL FEVER DREAM, FILLED
WITH FRAGMENTED LONGING but composed, Lizio fetches his wife to witness the scene. Rather than
AND SURREAL COMMUNION. rage or scandal, the couple sees an opportunity: Ricciardo is noble,
THE FIGURES, DISTORTED YET
honorable, and clearly devoted to their daughter.
INTIMATE, SEEM TO REACH
ACROSS A STORM OF GEOMETRY
AND COLOR, ECHOING THE They awaken the lovers and arrange a marriage on the spot, turning a
URGENCY AND SECRECY OF
potential disgrace into a celebration. The wedding is held days later, with
CATERINA AND RICCIARDO’S
friends and family in attendance.
TWILIGHT RENDEZVOUS.
DECAMERON 112 113