Andreini, Isabella

(1562—1604)

   Famous actress in the Italian commedia dell'arte tradition, also celebrated as a poet and author of prose literature. Born at Padua to a family of Venetian origin, Isabella Canale became the leading actress of the highly regarded Gelosi theatrical company. She became a star performer because of her beauty, her acting ability, and her mastery of singing and instrumental music. She was also praised for her irreproachable personal life. In 1578 she married Francesco Andreini, another leading member of the Gelosi company, and she died at Lyon in 1604 while returning to Italy from a triumphant series of performances in Paris. In 1588 she published a successful pastoral tale, Mirtilla. Her collected Rime / Poems were first published in 1601, and after her death, her husband published a collection of her letters (1607) and an edition of her collected works (1625).