Lucrezia Borgia

**Lucrezia Borgia**  (18 April 1480 – 24 June 1519) was the daughter of Pope Alexander VI, and his long-term mistress Vannozza dei Cattanei. Her brothers included Cesare Borgia, Giovanni Borgia, and Gioffre Borgia.

Lucrezia's family was typical of the ruthless Machiavellian politics and sexual corruption of the times. It was alleged to be characteristic of the Renaissance Papacy. Lucrezia was cast as a _femme fatale_, a role seen in many artworks, novels, and films.

Very little is known for sure about Lucrezia. Whether she was involved in the political activities of her father and brothers is unclear. They certainly arranged several marriages for her to important and powerful men. Presumably, this helped their own political ambitions. Lucrezia was married to Giovanni Sforza (Lord of Pesaro), Alfonso of Aragon (Duke of Bisceglie), and Alfonso I d'Este (Duke of Ferrara). Tradition has it that Alfonso of Aragon was an illegitimate son of the King of Naples and that her brother Cesare may have had him murdered when his political value faded.

## Appearance

Lucrezia is described as having heavy blonde hair which fell past her knees, a beautiful complexion, hazel eyes which changed colour, a full, high bosom, and a natural grace which made her appear to "walk on air". These features were highly appreciated in Italy during that period. Another description said that "her mouth is rather large, the teeth brilliantly white, her neck is slender and fair, and the bust is admirably proportioned".

One painting, _Portrait of a Youth_ by Dosso Dossi at the National Gallery of Victoria, was identified as a portrait of Lucrezia in November 2008. This painting may be the only surviving formal portrait of Lucrezia Borgia; however, doubts have been cast on that claim. Several other paintings, such as Veneto's fanciful portrait, have also been said to depict her but none has been accepted by scholars at present.

## Rumours

Several rumours have persisted throughout the years, especially about the extravagant parties thrown by the Borgia family. There were allegations of incest, poisoning, and murder on her part, but no historical basis for these rumours has ever been found. Most of the allegations were made by the rivals of the Borgias.

- It is rumoured that Lucrezia was in possession of a hollow ring that she used to poison drinks.
- An early 20th century painting by Frank Cadogan Cowper that hangs in the London art gallery, Tate Britain, portrays Lucrezia taking the place of her father, Pope Alexander VI, at an official Vatican meeting. This apparently documents an actual event, although the precise moment depicted (a Franciscan friar kissing Lucrezia's feet) was invented by the artist.

## Biographies

- _Lucrezia Borgia: life, love and death in Renaissance Italy_ by Sarah Bradford; Viking 2004;
- _Lucrezia Borgia: a biography_ by Rachel Erlanger; 1978;
- _Lucrezia Borgia_ by Maria Bellonci; Phoenix 2002;
- _The Borgias_ (1971) by Michael Mallett
- _Lucretia Borgia_ (1874?) by Ferdinand Gregorovius; translated in 1903 by John Leslie Garner
- _The Borgias_ by Christopher Hibbert; Constable 2011;

## Infobox (nobility)

- **name**: Lucrezia Borgia
- **image**: Bartolomeo Veneto 001.jpg
- **caption**: _Portrait of a Woman_ by Bartolomeo Veneto, traditionally assumed to be Lucrezia Borgia.
- **spouse**: Giovanni Sforza
Alfonso of Aragon
Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara, Alfonso d'Este
- **issue**: Rodrigo of Aragon
Ercole II d'Este, Duke of Ferrara
Ippolito II d'Este
Alessandro d'Este
Leonora d'Este
Francesco d'Este, Marchese di Massalombarda
Isabella Maria d'Este
- **noble family**: House of Borgia
- **father**: Pope Alexander VI
- **mother**: Vannozza dei Cattanei
- **husband**: Duke of Rome
- **birth place**: Subiaco, Italy
- **death place**: Ferrara