Giovanni da Serravalle
Giovanni da Serravalle was an Italian Franciscan and humanist, who became bishop of Fermo and bishop of Fano. He is now best known for his commentary on Dante.Life
In 1385 he was lector at the studium of St. Croce. From 1387 to 1390 he taught moral philosophy at the University of Pavia. He taught arts at the University of Perugia for a year from 1400. He was appointed bishop of Fermo by Pope Gregory XII, around 1410. He was translated to Fano in 1417; and died there.Works
During the Council of Constance he translated the Divine Comedy into Latin. He did this largely for the benefit of Nicholas Bubwith and Robert Hallam, English bishops attending the Council; he was encouraged by Amedeo Saluzzo attending the council, who was a cardinal of the Avignon obedience. Serraville was also a source for stories concerning the young Dante's visits to Paris and Oxford. He lectured at Constance on Dante too, producing later a written commentary. It was strongly influenced by Benvenuto da Imola and Stefano Talice da Ricaldone; and Serravalle revised Benvenuto's glosses, to support the Council's reforming programme.
