Committenza e collezionismo di donna Felice Orsini Colonna

Abstract

The unpublished letters from Felice Orsini Colonna’s personal correspondence highlight the pivotal role of the noble woman as one of the protagonists of the late Italian Renaissance, and a sophisticated commissioner of artworks during her stay in Sicily. Through the study of the Vicereine’s correspondence it is also possible to understand her fondness for works from Trapanese craftsmen, particularly for those made from coral as well as her collaboration in the restyling of the private quarters of the Royal Palaces in Palermo and Messina. The unpublished post-mortem’s inventory shows fine handicrafts collecting by the Roman noblewoman: from precious furniture and fabrics to paintings, silver, and refined jewels.