Eleanor of Toledo (Spanish: Leonor Álvarez de Toledo y Pimentel-Osorio, Italian: Eleonora di Toledo; 11 January 1522 – 17 December 1562) was a Spanish noblewoman who became Duchess of Florence [a] as the first wife of Cosimo I de' Medici.

Dec 16, 2022 · The Spanish noblewoman Leonor Álvarez de Toledo y Osorio – better known as Eleanor of Toledo, and from 1539 as Duchess of Florence – was born in 1522. In honour of her 500th anniversary, a number of events have been organised in recent months, both in Florence and in other major cities across Tuscany, including Pisa and Arezzo.

Mar 24, 2025 · Eleanor of Toledo (1522–1562) was the second daughter of Don Pedro of Toledo, Marquis of Vilafranca and a member of the prominent Alba family. A Spanish noblewoman, she became Duchess of Florence by marrying Cosimo I de Medici in 1539.

The painting depicts Eleonora of Toledo sitting with her hand resting on the shoulder of her son Giovanni. The painting is the first known state-commissioned portrait to include the ruler's heir. [1] This gesture referred to her role as mother exemplifying fertility, immortality, divine protection, and the terrestrial power of the elite. [2]

Detail, Agnolo Bronzino, Portrait of Eleonora of Toledo with her son Giovanni, 1544–45, oil on panel, 115.00 x 96.00 cm (Galleria degli Uffizi) This is the first state portrait to include a likeness of the ruler’s heir.

Eleanor was born in 1522 in Alba de Tormes, Salamanca, the second daughter of Don Pedro Alvarez de Toledo, Marquis of Villafranca who was the Viceroy of Naples on behalf of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V aka King Carlos I of Spain.

May 19, 2021 · Eleanor (11 Jan 1522 – 17 Dec 1562) was born as Doña Leonor Álvarez de Toledo y Osorio. She was the first modern “First Lady” because she financed many of her husband’s political campaigns and buildings like the Pitti Palace. She ruled as regent of Florence during husband’s frequent absences. She also founded many Jesuit churches.

Eleanor of Toledo, born Doña Leonor Álvarez de Toledo y Osorio, was a Spanish noblewoman and Duchess of Florence as the first wife of Cosimo I de' Medici. A keen...

Oct 3, 2024 · Eleanor of Toledo died at Pisa from malaria in 1562. Since her death, historians have tended to overlook her importance to Florentine history, and today she is often thought of as just another Medici consort and lover of luxury.

The magnificent portrait of Eleonora di Toledo together with her second son Giovanni is one of Bronzino's greatest masterpieces, and is the work that contributed to transmitting the splendour of Cosimo I de' Medici’s bride to the collective imaginary.