Gli Estensi. II. La corte di Modena (dal 1598 al 1859)

This second volume, dedicated to the Estensi of Modena, concludes our historical, iconographical and bibliographical research, which has thoroughly investigated the ducal culture and society, with the purpose of providing new and unpublished contributions for retracing the history of the House and its cities. Modena as the new capital of the Duchy meant also the beginning of the Este's political decline, after the glorious season of Renaissance. Yet, although very far from the splendours of Ferrara at the times of Leonello, Borso and Ercole I, the Modenese society was able to find a new cultural brilliance that made it possible for it to actively take part in, and dignify, the development of European civilization with intellectuals such as Tassoni, Muratori, Spallanzani, Amici, Tiraboschi, Avanzini, Vigarani, Vandelli and the Campori. A first section deals with the history and the biographies of the dukes, and with the events in their foreign policies; the second section examines all the cultural presences in the Este state, artists and men of letters, scientists and collectors. The imposing store of images strongly illustrates the subject.