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Signed Letter from Alphonse II d'Este from 1590

Title: Autographed Manuscript Letter
Author: Alphonse II d'Este, Duke of Ferraro
Description: Single sheet, 13x18¼, 16th century laid paper.Letter dated June 10, 1590 from Alfonso II d'Este to the Cardinal Montalbaro introducing the chevalier Bosio: "Gentleman to whom I have charged my affairs to while in Rome…" Alfonso II d'Este was a member of the powerful ruling Este family of Medieval and Renaissance Italy. Grandson of Louis XII, he was the son of Ercole II d'Este and Renée de France. He was the 5th and last Duke of Ferrara from 1559-1597. He married three times though he produced no heir. During his reign he attempted, unsuccessfully, to have himself elected King of Poland and to organize a crusade against the Turks. He was known for his patronage of the arts and his court employed a number of artists and poets, including the flamboyant poet Torquato Tasso (La Tasse) who dedicated his poem La Gerusalemme liberata to the Duke. La Tasse later fell out of favor with the Duke and the Duke imprisoned him for 7 years on charges of insanity. It is thought that the Duke of Robert Browning's poem 'My Last Duchess' is inspired on Alfonso II. Original folds evident, large embossed coat of arms.
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Date Published: 1590