Borso d'Este: From Marquess to Duke of Ferrara - A Historical Analysis

Extract

[...] PRESENTATION Borso d'Este was a Marquess and Duke of Ferrara, and Duke of Modena and Reggio. He was a member of the House of Este. He was born on 24 August 1413 and died on 20 August 1471. His father was Niccolò III d'Este, Marquess of Ferrara, and his mother was the mistress of Niccolò III, Stella de' Tolomei, also known as Stella dell'Assassino. 2. AT THE BEGINNING Placed very young in the military ranks of the city of Venice, Borso was only very little gifted in the art of war. [...]

[...] MARQUIS THEN DUKE OF FERRARA Now, Borso will devote himself to serving the marquisate of Ferrara as best he can. Very soon he becomes his brother's chief advisor. He is placed at the head of the Neapolitan embassy, which initially handles marital affairs, then in a second time practices diplomacy in the greatest secrecy. Returning to Milan in 1445, he is involved in the management of affairs, collaborating closely. He attracts a large number of clients. The sudden and brutal death of his brother, Lionel, makes him his successor, on October From the start, Borso's goal will be to expand the possessions of the marquisate and have the duchy recognized in Ferrara. [...]

[...] Worse than that, Borso d'Este becomes the enemy of Milan and Florence, the Sforza and the Medicis having the plan resolved to eliminate him. Indeed, it is what Galeazzo Maria, the Duke of Milan, will try to do, during the conspiracy of the Pio di Carpi, in 1469. Borso will owe his salvation only to his half-brother Hercules, who, pretending to join the conspirators, will save him. To be named Duke, his first obsession, Borso will seek to ally with Venice, to convince Pope Paul II of the legitimacy of the operation, despite the Venetians not being in agreement with the Pope. [...]

[...] The same year, he marries his half-sister Beatrice to Tristano Sforza. But nothing changes for Ferrara, which remains a minor power. From 1456, a rapprochement takes place with Venice, because, with Milan, tensions are high with the duke. In May 1459, Borso welcomes Pope Pius II, with the firm intention of asking him to be recognized as Duke of Ferrara. But the Pope is not fooled, he refuses to name him Duke and remains insensitive to the promises of the Marquis, who does not keep them anyway. [...]

[...] END OF LIFE For a month, Borso d'Este will celebrate without interruption his new title, that of Duke of Ferrara. But his taste for parties will cause him many health problems. Back in Ferrara, on May he must rest in bed so as not to have to get up, which is a test too difficult to assume for him from now on, and then age, he is almost 60, certainly plays a role. Death is lurking and will strike him on August 19, 1471. [...]