Pier Luigi Farnese was the first Duke of Castro from 1537 to 1545 and the first Duke of Parma and Piacenza from 1545 to 1547. He was the illegitimate son of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese. He became a so
Portrait of Pier Luigi Farnese by Titian, 1546
Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome
View of Castro (1663).
Pier Luigi appointed to Duke of Parma and Piacenza by Paul III
Alessandro Farnese was an Italian cardinal, diplomat, and a great collector and patron of the arts. Farnese was the grandson of Pope Paul III, and the son of Pier Luigi Farnese, Duke of Parma, who was
Pier Luigi Farnese
…Delays in the construction at the palace in Gradoli, meant the young couple had to lodge in the Castle at Valentano. The following year their first son Alessandro was born. Pier Luigi Farnese became the stereotype of a mercenary soldier: wild and amoral. He was courageous and daring and while strong and audacious…
Portrait by Titian, c. 1545-1546
Titian's triple portrait, Pope Paul III and his Grandsons, depicts Alessandro at left.