Camilla Martelli was first the lover and then the second wife of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo I de" Medici.
Background
Born into one of the most important families of the Florentine patricians, Camilla was the daughter of Antonio Martelli and Elisabetta Soderini.
Career
She was the mother of Virginia de" Medici, future Duchess of Modena. After the death of Cosimo"s first wife Eleonora of Toledo and after the end of his relationship with Eleonora of Albizi, Camilla became Cosimo"s lover despite being 26 years his junior. Camilla had a daughter with Cosimo in 1568, Virginia, but she was always resented by the children from Cosimo"s first marriage.
Their daughter, Virginia, was legitimised and integrated into the Tuscan line of succession.
The Grand Duke, not to arouse scandal, went into seclusion and prohibited parties and official celebrations. In 1574 Cosimo I, who had suffered at least one stroke, had limited mobility and was unable to speak due to circulatory problems.
He died on April 30. After his death, Camilla was forced to retire to the Florentine convent of Murate.
She was later moved to the convent of Santa Monica. Eager to enjoy greater freedom after the death of Francesco I, she asked Grand Duke Ferdinando I to let her leave the convent.
He granted her wish, but after a series of political crises, he forced her to return to Santa Monica, where she died in 1590. Virginia de" Medici (29 May 1568 – 15 January 1615) married Cesare d"Este, Duke of Modena and had further progeny.
