Angela Borgia facts for kids

Angela Borgia (also known as Angela de Borja) was an Italian noblewoman. She was born in Rome, Italy, around 1486. She passed away in Sassuolo, Italy, between 1520 and 1522.

Angela was the daughter of Guillem Ramon de Borja y Sanoguera and Isabel de Montcada. Her father worked for Pope Alexander VI in Rome. Angela was also a niece of Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, who later became Pope Alexander VI.

Early Life

When she was young, Angela Borgia lived in Rome. She spent a lot of time with her cousin, Lucretia Borgia. Angela went with Lucretia to Ferrara when Lucretia married Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara.

A Well-Loved Lady

Angela was known for her great beauty and elegant style. She was a trusted friend and close companion to her cousin Lucretia. Many important writers of her time admired Angela.

• Diomede Guidalotti wrote two poems for her.
• Ludovico Ariosto dedicated the last part of his famous poem, Orlando Furioso, to her.
• The writer Pietro Bembo described her as an "angel." In 1504, he mentioned Angela in his book "Gli asolani," calling her "the dear and gallant Madonna Angela Borgia."

A Difficult Situation

While Angela was living in Ferrara, she caught the attention of two brothers from the Este family: Cardinal Ippolito d'Este and his half-brother, Giulio d’Este. The brothers already had disagreements, and their interest in Angela made things worse.

Angela once said that she preferred Giulio. She even publicly stated that Giulio's eyes were worth more than the Cardinal himself. This made Ippolito very angry.

In November 1505, the two brothers met. Ippolito ordered his men to attack Giulio. Giulio was badly hurt and lost the use of one eye. After this, Giulio and another brother, Ferrante, planned to remove the Duke from power. Their plan was discovered, and both Giulio and Ferrante were sent to prison for life. Ferrante died in prison, but Giulio was released in 1559 after 53 years.

Marriage and Family

On December 6, 1506, Angela Borgia married Alessandro Pio di Savoia, who was the lord of Sassuolo. Their wedding took place in Ferrara.

Angela and Alessandro had several children:

• Gilbert (1508–1554), who married Elisabetta, the daughter of Cardinal Ippolito d'Este.
• Camilla, who became a nun.
• Eleonora, who became a nun.
• Alessandra, who became a nun.

Later Life and Death

Angela Borgia passed away in Sassuolo between 1520 and 1522. She was buried in the convent of San José, next to her husband Alessandro, who had died in 1517.

At that time, Sassuolo was damaged by many wars. In 1537, Angela's eldest son, Gilberto, placed a plaque to remember his parents at the convent of San José. This plaque no longer exists today.

Possible Model for a Famous Painting

Some art experts believe that Angela Borgia might be the person shown in a famous painting called "Young Profile with Renaissance Dress." This painting is also known as "The Beautiful Princess." While some think the painting is of Bianca Sforza, the daughter of Ludovico Sforza, other experts believe it is a portrait of Angela Borgia by the great artist Leonardo da Vinci.

See also

In Spanish: Angela Borgia para niños

• Castello Estense

Images for kids

• 

  " Young Profile with Renaissance Dress " or " The Beautiful Princess "