The essay analyses the complex and original relationship of Boiardo with the classical tradition of which he was both interpreter and translator. Indeed, his education as a prominent humanist in the Este culture is here evaluated. In particular, the focus is on the original reprise of Lucretius and his naturalistic interpretation of Love: Boiardo, in contrast with the tradition of the Canzonieri of Petrarca’s derivation, prefers to stick with the Lucretius model in different parts of his Amorum libri. The naturalistic/epicurean and narrative background of Boiardo is evident also through examination of other classical models mentioned here which were fundamental to him, from Pliny to Ovid and Horace.