Curzio Gonzaga

[3][4] On 4 December 1543 he was made archpriest of Mantua Cathedral but instead of the priesthood (for which his family had intended him) he decided to become a soldier, writer and poet.

A few months later he accompanied the cardinal to Rome (then without a pope after Paul III's death) and stayed in the city for a long time, taking part in literary and political life.

He was admitted to the Accademia delle Notti Vaticane, founded by Carlo Borromeo, and conversed with Torquato Tasso.

On his return to his homeland he attended the court of Ferrante II in Guastalla, then lived for a long time in Venice.

In 1595 duke Vincenzo granted him the castle of Palazzolo in Monferrato and made him its marquis, but Curzio could not move there due to his ill health.

Portrait of Curzio Gonzaga, an illustration from "Il Fidamante", Venice, 1591.