Chiara Spinelli

Chiara Spinelli (1744-1823),[1] later the Princess of Belmonte, was an Italian noblewoman and artist, especially noted as a pastellist.

[2] Spinelli was born in Naples, the daughter of Troiano, the ninth Duke of Laurino, who also published in philosophy.

She took part in the revolution which led to the creation of the Parthenopean Republic in 1799; at its collapse she was exiled to France.

[6] A self-portrait by Spinelli is held in the collection of the Uffizi in Florence; it was originally displayed alongside those of Irene Parenti Duclos and Anna Borghigiani.

[7] Spinelli was also an active patron of arts and literature; she hosted a salon, and sponsored composers such as Niccolo Piccinni.