ANDREINI, ISABELLA

(1562—1604)

Famous actress in the Italiancommedia dell'artetradition, also celebrated as a poet and author of prose literature. Born atPaduato a family ofVenetianorigin, 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 collectedRime/Poemswere 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).