Andreini

Andreini, family of Italian actors, outstanding in the annals of the commedia dell'arte, of whom the first, Francesco (1548–1624), was both actor and author. In 1578 he married Isabella Canali (1562–1604), one of the most famous actresses of her time. They were both with the Gelosi, for whom he at first played opposite her in many lovers' parts; he later abandoned these and achieved success with the role of the Capitano, which he made a subtle variation on the braggart-soldier type. He took his troupe to France in 1603, playing at the Hôtel de Bourgogne in Paris and at Fontainebleau, but on the death of his wife disbanded the company and went into retirement, devoting the rest of his life to writing.

Isabella died in childbirth on her way from France to Italy. She seems to have been as highly regarded for her literary works as for her acting. Of their seven children the most famous was the eldest son, Giovann Battista (c.1579–1654), known as Lelio. He first acted in his parents' company, playing young lovers. Some time before his mother's death he joined the Fedeli, probably helping in its formation, and provided plays for the troupe. Of these the best known are the Adamo (1613) and La Centaura (1622), a curious spectacle-play made up of three acts, of which the first is comic, the second pastoral, and the third tragic.