Ridolfo Capo Ferro

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Ridolfo "Ironhead" Capo Ferro of Cagli was a fencing master in the city of Siena who published a rapier fencing manual in Italian in 1610, entitled

"Great Representation of the Art and Use of Fencing / by Ridolfo Capo Ferro of Cagli / Maestro of the Most High German Nation / In the Famous City of Siena / Dedicated to the most Serene Signore Don Federigo Feltrio delle Rovere / Prince of the State of Urbino."

Printed by Salvestro Marchetti and Camillo Turi in Siena, Ridolfo's origin is unclear. The reference to the Holy Roman Empire may indicate that he studied with masters of the German school. Cagli (in the Province of Pesaro e Urbino) appears to be his place of origin, while he was active as a fencing master in Siena (in Tuscany). Ridolfo's teachings, however, do not reflect perceptible German influence, but are soundly in the Italian tradition with a notable influence from the Bolognese (Dardi) school of swordsmanship (perhaps even being a part of that school).

In the fictional work The Princess Bride by William Goldman, Inigo Montoya and The Man in Black duel atop the Cliffs of Insanity where they mention various fencing techniques they have studied, including those of Capo Ferro.