Isabella Andreini
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Isabella Andreini (1562-1604) was an Italian actress and writer.
Andreini was a member of her husband Francesco Andreini's company, i Gelosi, distinguished alike for her acting and her character, commemorated in the medal struck at Lyon in the year of her death, with her portrait on one side, and the figure of Fame on the reverse with the words aeterna fama.
Born Isabella Canali at Padua, she met and married Francesco in 1578, when both were hired for the troupe of Flaminio Scala. She was also known in literature, her books including a pastoral, Mirtilla (Verona, 1588), a volume of songs, sonnets and other poems (Milan, 1601), and a collection of letters, published after her death. She inspired many of the French poets, notably Isaac du Ryer (d. c. 1631). The commedia dell'arte stock character, Isabella used by subsequent commedia troupes is named in her honor.
Her son Giambattista Andreini was an actor and playwright.
[edit] References
- This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.
