One important place for the exchange of ideas was the salon. The word salon first appeared in France in 1664 (from the Italian word salone, itself from sala, the large reception hall of Italian mansions). Italy had had an early tradition of the salon; Giovanna Dandolo became known as a patron and gatherer … More The Salon of Giovanna Dandolo Malipiero
When Isabella d’Este first arrived in Mantua, she began having a set of rooms (camerini) built to showcase her books, artworks, and musical instruments, and to provide her with spaces for reflection, contemplation, and intimate music-making. Her first camerini were in the Castel San Giorgio in Mantua, adjacent to the Camera degli Sposi, which is decorated with frescoes … More Impresa of Isabella d’Este
Question di Giorno I have three lovely side-laced gamurre that were made for me by Countess Sibilla of Trimaris. I would like to explore how to increase their amazingness by adding a few more period elements to the dresses/sleeves and adding more accessories. I must admit that this is primarily driven by the lavish appearance … More 15th-Century Gamurra Upgrades
Reblogged from https://aneardepthexperience.wordpress.com/2013/06/16/nec-spe-nec-metu-superman-caravaggio-and-hope/ Nec Spe Nec Metu: Superman, Caravaggio and Hope … The phrase ‘nec spe nec metu’ probably has its origins in Stoicism, meaning ‘neither hope nor fear’ or, more pedantically ‘without hope, without fear’ (perhaps from ancient medicine and Silesio; perhaps adapted from general Roman orations) – implying a kind of resigned equilibrium and forbearance. … More Nec Spe Nec Metu: Isabella d’Este
“Nor does our friend Marchetto Cara move us less by his singing, but with a gentler harmony; because he softens and penetrates our souls by placid means, full of plaintive sweetness, greatly stirring them to sweet emotion.” (Né men commove nel suo cantar il nostro Marchetto Cara, ma con più molle armonia; ché per una via … More Marchetto Cara – Cortigiano di Isabella d’Este
From https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/eascfa/dinner_party/place_settings/isabella_d_este Isabella d’Este (Gonzaga) was a powerful and well-educated political figure, humanitarian, patron of the arts, and mother of seven. Known as “The First Lady of the Renaissance,” she was related to nearly every ruler in Italy either by birth or marriage. D’Este was the oldest of six children born into the ruling family … More Art of Isabella d’Este
Giata’s Late 15th Century Gamurra Introduction My post on early renaissance fashion covers the technical terms for the dresses of the 14th and 15th centuries here. Now, I want to talk more about my first foray into making an outfit entirely on my own. I have never had formal sewing instruction. I walked the path to my … More My 15th Century Gamurra Project I
Isabella d’Este: A Renaissance Woman by Lorenzo Bonoldi (Author), Clark Anthony Lawrence (Translator) “Isabella d’Este (Ferrara 1474 – Mantua 1539) was already defined in her lifetime as “The first lady of the world”, and remains today one of the most brilliant characters of the Italian Renaissance. The first-born daughter of Duke Ercole of Ferrara and Eleonora of Aragon, at … More Isabella d’Este
In the time of Christopher Columbus a young Isabella d’Este married Francesco Gonzaga of Mantua. Together they ruled the Mantuan territories and their patronage created a flourishing and cultured court there. … More Songs for Isabella d’Este
Isabella d’Este, “la prima donna del mondo” By Sharon L. Jensen (original article here) Let Your Highness, I beg of you, keep a tranquil mind and attend wholly to military affairs, for I intend to govern the state with the help of these magnificent gentlemen and officials in such a manner that you will suffer … More Isabella d’Este – First Lady of the World
