Francesco Petrarca, commonly known as Petrarch, was an Italian poet and scholar born in 1304. He is often considered the father of Humanism, a movement that emphasized the study of classical texts and the value of individual experience. Petrarch's work laid the foundation for the Renaissance, influencing many writers and thinkers in Europe. Petrarch is best known for his collection of poems called Canzoniere, which expresses his love for a woman named Laura. His sonnets and lyrical poetry explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition, establishing a new style that would inspire future poets, including Shakespeare and Milton.