Duchy of Mantua
Provençal was born in Casale Monferrato in north-west Italy. In 1535, he composed a poetic guide to the rules of Hebrew grammar entitled "B'shem Kadmon", which was later published in Venice by the author's grandchildren in October or November 1596. By 1550, he was Chief Rabbi of Mantua, in the North-Italian Duchy of Mantua.