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Philiberte de Savoie
Duchesse de Nemours
(1498–1524)

Biographical

Duchesse de Nemours 1516–24†
Marquise de Gex 1515–24†
Marquise de Soragna 1515–18 sold
Vicomtesse de Bridiers 1516
Dame de Chasey 1521
Dame de Poncin 1521
Dame de Cerdon 1521
Dame de Bruyères 1517
Dame de Tours 1517
Dame de Flés 1517
Dame de Malaval 1516
Signora di Fossano 1515
Dame de Chanas
Dame de Yenne
Dame du Bourget
Dame de Mondon
Dame de Saint-Julien
Dame de Virieu-le-Grand
Dame de Billia
Dame de Thors

Born posthumously, Philiberte grew up under the care of her mother at various castles, including those at Pont d'Ain, Poncin, Chazey and Billiat. Her cousin, Duke Charles III of Savoy, was against the idea of her marriage to Giuliano de' Medici, and did everything possible to postpone it, but after two years of negotiations, the wedding took place. He gave her Gex and other properties on her marriage, and in turn, she, along with her husband, renounced all claims to the duchy of Savoy. Philiberte became duchess of Nemours when her husband was granted the honour by the King of France in 1515. After Giuliano's death in 1516, she was left to deal with his debts. She continued to live in Florence until 1518 when she departed on a long journey, finally settling at Chambéry. She was granted a number of titles and lordships by Duke Charles III, including the duchy of Nemours in her own right, but rather than settling at the castle of Nemours, she chose Amboise instead. Despite these numerous possessions, her income was moderate, and the lands she held were low-yielding, and difficult to manage. At Amboise, she managed to live a life rich in culture, and even enjoyed the presence of Leonardo da Vinci, and the friendship and support of Queen Claude of France. After the death of Pope Leo X, whose support she also enjoyed, she decided to return to the castle of Billiat, one of her childhood homes. She devoted the rest of her life to works of piety. Before her death, she named Charles III her universal heir. This was to give rise to a dispute between him and his brother, Philippe, which was continued by their descendants. It is claimed by some that the Mona Lisa was inspired by Filiberta's facial features.

Place of birth: Pont d'Ain, Bugey
Place of marriage: Turin
Place of death: Château de Virieu le Grand, Bugey
Place of burial: Chapel of the Château de Chambéry

Daughter of Philippe II de Savoie and Claudine de Brosse. She married Giuliano de' Medici in 1516.

© 2024 The Universal Compendium

© 2024 The Universal Compendium