Caterina Sforza
Caterina Sforza | |
|---|---|
| Lady of Imola Countess of Forlì Regent of Imola and Forlì | |
Caterina Sforza, reproduction of a medal created c. 1488 | |
| Born | 1463 Milan, Duchy of Milan |
| Died | 28 May 1509 (aged 46) Florence, Republic of Florence |
| Noble family | Sforza |
| Spouses | Girolamo Riario Giacomo Feo Giovanni de' Medici il Popolano |
| Issue | Bianca Riario, Lady of Faenza, Countess and Marchioness of San Secondo Ottaviano Riario Cesare Riario Giovanni Livio Riario Galeazzo Maria Riario Francesco Sforzino Riario Bernardino (later Carlo) Feo Ludovico (later Giovanni) de' Medici |
| Father | Galeazzo Maria Sforza, Duke of Milan |
| Mother | Lucrezia Landriani |
Caterina Sforza (1463 – 28 May 1509) was an Italian noblewoman who ruled as Countess of Forlì and Lady of Imola, initially alongside her husband Girolamo Riario, and later as regent for their son, Ottaviano Riario.
A descendant of a dynasty of prominent condottieri, Caterina Sforza distinguished herself from an early age through bold and impetuous actions aimed at safeguarding her possessions from usurpers and defending her dominions amid political intrigues. Her fearless and assertive character earned her the nickname La Tigre ("The Tiger"). In her private life, Caterina was devoted to various activities, including experiments in alchemy and a love of hunting, dancing, and horse riding. She was educated and engaged in religious rituals and matters, commissioned works of art, stood as a fashion icon, and was a collector of many jewels and clothing. In addition, she undertook urban, residential, and military architectural projects.
She had many children, but only the youngest, Captain Giovanni delle Bande Nere, inherited his mother's forceful, militant personality. Caterina's resistance to Cesare Borgia meant she had to face his fury and imprisonment. After she gained her freedom in Rome, she then went on to lead a quiet life in Florence. In the final years of her life, she confided to a monk: "Se io potessi scrivere tutto, farei stupire il mondo" ("If I could write everything that happened, I would shock the world").