
Borso d’Este was an illegitimate son of Niccolo iii d’Este, Marquess of Ferrara, Modena and Reggio, and his mistress Stella de’ Tolomei. Borso succeeded Leonello d’Este in the marquisate on October 1, 1450.
On May 18, 1452 he received confirmation over his fiefs, as Duke, by Emperor Frederick, iii. On April 12, 1471, in St. Peter’s Basilica, he was also appointed as Duke of Ferrara by Pope Paul, ii.
Borso’s court was the center of the so-called Ferrarese school of painting, whose members included Francesco del Cossa, Ercole dei Roberti and Cosimo Tura. Their most important commission during Borso’s rule were the frescoes in the Palazzo Schifanoia and the Borso d’Este Bible featuring the miniatures of Taddeo Crivelli and Franco dei Russi. He also protected numerous musicians, including Pietrobono del Chitarrino, Niccolo Todesco e Blasio Montolino. This Masterpiece is presented here for your edification.
