16th century, correspondence, Europe, historical figure, Italian, Italy, primary source, quotes, stories
Antonio da Trento, known as Nanino (Little Dwarf), belonged to the court of the Marquis of Mantua. There is a letter written in dialect in 1495 from Nanino to the Marquis, Francesco II Gonzaga (1466-1519). In a letter dated 24 July 1512, from the Marquis to the...
16th century, correspondence, Europe, historical figure, Italian, Italy, primary source, quotes, stories
Many court fools were considered ‘naturals’, having some form of mental disability or neurodiversity. This letter gives examples of the behaviour of a female dwarf known as Caterina Matta (Crazy Catherine) who served Isabella d’Este (1474-1539),...
16th century, Europe, historical figure, Italy, primary source, quotes
Federico II Gonzaga, Marquis of Mantua (1500-40) and son of Isabella d’Este (1474-1539), loaned the priest-jester Fra Stephano to a Duke Alfonso who wrote a letter on 14th November 1525 to:… cordially thank you for the great service rendered to me by such...
