Giovanni Pico della Mirandola (1463-1494) was an Italian Renaissance philosopher who wrote the Oration on the Dignity of Man, a key text of Renaissance humanism. He was the founder of the tradition of Christian Kabbalah, a key tenet of early modern Western esotericism. His 900 Theses was the first printed book to be universally banned by the Church. Line engraving from 18th century by F. B. Lorieux after L. Beaudouin after a painting attributed to Giorgione.