Matteo Boiardo was an Italian poet and nobleman born around 1440 in Scandiano, a town in the Emilia-Romagna region. He is best known for his epic poem, Orlando Innamorato, which tells the story of the knight Orlando and his adventures. Boiardo's work is notable for its blend of chivalric romance and classical themes, reflecting the cultural influences of the Renaissance. Boiardo served as a courtier and held various positions in the service of the House of Este, a prominent noble family. He died in 1494, leaving a significant impact on Italian literature, influencing later writers such as Ludovico Ariosto, who continued the story of Orlando in his own epic, Orlando Furioso.