Andreini, Isabella (1562–1604)

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Andreini, Isabella (1562–1604)

Italian poet and actress. Name variations: Isabella Canali. Born Isabella Canali in 1562 in Padua, republic of Venice; died July 10, 1604, in Lyon, France; m. Francesco Andreini (actormanager), 1578; children: 7.

Celebrated leading lady of the Compagnia dei Gelosi, the most famous of the early commedia dell'arte companies, and one of the 1st great European actresses; married at 16 and joined husband's troupe, Il Gelosi; became famed for beauty and talent; wrote pastoral fable Mirtilla (1588) and collection of poems Rime (1601, 1603); husband published her Lettere (1607) and Fragmenti di alcune scritture (1620).

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Andreini, Isabella (1562–1604)

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