DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.42863#0151
CHAPTER XXIX
1516—1519
The Duchesses of Urbino live in great poverty at Mantua—
Raphael’s dishes melted down—Marriage of Castiglione—
Francesco Maria tries to recover Urbino, but is forced to
make terms with the Pope—Isabella’s journey to Provence—
Betrothal of Federico Gonzaga to Maria di Montferrato—
Isabella’s Latin studies—Visit of Contarini and Soranzo to
the Castello — Cristoforo Solari at Mantua— Fra Francesco at
Porto—Bandello the novelist—His relations with the Marchesa
and pictures of her court.
On the 18th of August, the Pope’s nephew, Lorenzo
dei Medici, was created Duke of Urbino, and at the
same time Leo X. signed a convention with the
Marquis of Mantua by which Francesco Maria, who
is described as “ formerly Duke of Urbino,” and his
family were allowed to reside in his father-in-law’s
dominions, on condition of never leaving them with-
out the Pope’s permission, or entering into any
negotiations with his former subjects or with other
powers.1 During the next five years the two
Duchesses occupied rooms in the Corte Vecchia
of the Castello, and only left Mantua to pay an
occasional visit to Venice. The Marquis made
them a yearly allowance of 6000 ducats, but in
spite of this generous pension the poor ladies were
often reduced to great straits. Soon after their
arrival they were compelled to melt down the
costly silver plate which they had brought from
1 D’Arco in Arch. St. It., App, ii. 285.
129
VOL. II.
I
1516—1519
The Duchesses of Urbino live in great poverty at Mantua—
Raphael’s dishes melted down—Marriage of Castiglione—
Francesco Maria tries to recover Urbino, but is forced to
make terms with the Pope—Isabella’s journey to Provence—
Betrothal of Federico Gonzaga to Maria di Montferrato—
Isabella’s Latin studies—Visit of Contarini and Soranzo to
the Castello — Cristoforo Solari at Mantua— Fra Francesco at
Porto—Bandello the novelist—His relations with the Marchesa
and pictures of her court.
On the 18th of August, the Pope’s nephew, Lorenzo
dei Medici, was created Duke of Urbino, and at the
same time Leo X. signed a convention with the
Marquis of Mantua by which Francesco Maria, who
is described as “ formerly Duke of Urbino,” and his
family were allowed to reside in his father-in-law’s
dominions, on condition of never leaving them with-
out the Pope’s permission, or entering into any
negotiations with his former subjects or with other
powers.1 During the next five years the two
Duchesses occupied rooms in the Corte Vecchia
of the Castello, and only left Mantua to pay an
occasional visit to Venice. The Marquis made
them a yearly allowance of 6000 ducats, but in
spite of this generous pension the poor ladies were
often reduced to great straits. Soon after their
arrival they were compelled to melt down the
costly silver plate which they had brought from
1 D’Arco in Arch. St. It., App, ii. 285.
129
VOL. II.
I