Marriage portrait w. ukraińska

In the year 1557, Florence set the stage for a significant episode in the Medici family. Lucrezia, the youngest daughter of Cosimo I de' Medici, found herself in a poignant period of mourning after losing her sister. Struggling to cope with her sorrow, she turned to art as an outlet for her grief. Meanwhile, her father orchestrated a marriage with the ruler of Ferrara, Modena, and Reggio for her. This political alignment matched her with Alfonso II d'Este, a master of diplomacy known for his vibrant social presence and patronage of artists and musicians. However, with Lucrezia stepping in for her deceased sister, she faced a weighty expectation: securing the continuation of the d'Este line as a duchess and providing an heir. Despite her noble status, the precariousness of Lucrezia's position meant her future remained uncertain.