Abstract
Bianca Capello (c. 1548-87) was born to Pellegrina Morosini and Bartolomeo Capello, who were members of the wealthy Capelli nobility in Venice, Italy.[1] Not much is known about her childhood, but by the time she reached adolescence, she was known for her great beauty, with reddish blond hair and a voluptuous figure.[2] At the age of fifteen, Capello scandalized her family by secretly marrying Florentine Pietro Buonaventura in c.1563 .[3] Maria Donati, the Capello familys maid who assisted in the couples romance, was put to death for her complicity with Capellos deception.[4] Buonaventura had lured Capello into marriage under false pretenses by claiming he was a member of the wealthy Salvati family. In reality, he was only a clerk in the Venetian branch of the Salvati bank, which was conveniently located across the street from Capellos family residence.[5] With the help of his uncle, Giovan Battista Buonaventuri, the newlyweds fled to Florence to escape her familys wrath. Giovan was imprisoned for his involvement.[6]
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Project Continua |
| Place of Publication | Online |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 |