Born: 1646 (Palazzo Loredan, Venice, Republic of Venice)
Biography:
Elena Cornaro Piscopia, also known as Elena Lucrezia Cornaro or Helen Cornaro, was a Venetian philosopher and the first woman to receive a Doctor of Philosophy degree. She was born on June 5, 1646, in the Palazzo Loredan, Venice, in the Republic of Venice.
Elena was the third child of Gianbattista Cornaro-Piscopia and his mistress, Zanetta Boni. Although her parents were not married at the time of her birth and her mother was a peasant, Elena was born into a noble descent. However, Venetian law did not grant noble privileges to illegitimate children of nobles, even if recognized by the noble parent. This meant that Elena was not officially a member of the Cornaro family by birth.
In 1654, Gianbattista and Zanetta married, but their children, including Elena, were still barred from noble privilege. However, Elena’s father rose to a prestigious position as the treasurer of St. Mark’s Cathedral, second only to the Doge of Venice in terms of precedence.
Despite her illegitimate birth, Elena became prominent in the Marriage of the Sea celebration due to her father’s position. He tried to arrange betrothals for her several times, but she rejected each suitor’s advances. It is disputed whether Elena took a vow of chastity at age 11, as suggested by some early biographers.
At the age of 19, Elena took the habit of a Benedictine oblate without becoming a nun. She had shown prodigious intellectual abilities from a young age and started a classical education, guided by Giovanni Fabris, a priest and family friend. By the age of seven, Elena was proficient in Latin, Greek, French, and Spanish. She also mastered Hebrew and Arabic, earning her the title of Oraculum Septilingue or the Seven-language Oracle.
Besides her linguistic prowess, Elena displayed exceptional musical talent. She became skilled in playing the harpsichord, clavichord, harp, and violin. She composed music, showcasing her abilities as a composer. As she progressed into her late teens and early twenties, Elena developed an interest in physics, astronomy, and linguistics.
Elena continued her education, delving into mathematics, philosophy, and theology. She became well-versed in these subjects, establishing herself as a scholar. Her dedication to learning and steadfast pursuit of knowledge caught the attention of scholars and intellectuals of her time.
In 1678, Elena accomplished a significant milestone in her life. She became one of the first women in history to receive an academic degree from a university. More specifically, she became the first woman to receive a Doctor of Philosophy degree. This remarkable achievement shattered gender norms and opened doors for women’s intellectual pursuits.
Elena Cornaro Piscopia’s story is one of overcoming social and gender barriers to excel in academia. Her accomplishments paved the way for future generations of women, who, inspired by her brilliance and determination, would also strive for education and intellectual success.
Awards:
– Doctor of Philosophy degree (1678)