Background
She was born in Rome around 1510, as the daughter of Giulia Ferrarese, who was also a courtesan. Her mother was lauded as "the most famous beauty of her day". Her father's identity is unknown, although it may have been Cardinal Luigi d'Aragona, who was himself the illegitimate grandson of Ferdinand I of Naples. She was educated by the Cardinal and proved to be a child prodigy who amazed even her mother's 'guests'.
Her fame and success made her into the most celebrated of Renaissance poets courtesans. Her intellect, literary abilities and social graces entertained powerful men and famous poets.
Read more about this topic: Tullia D'Aragona
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