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Sfondrati family papers

 Collection — Multiple Containers
Identifier: Vault MSS 519

Scope and Contents

Collection includes letters, promissory notes, and other handwritten documents relative to matters between the Sfondrati family and political leaders in the region. Many of the items relate to family financial matters. Materials date from between 1531 and 1788.

Dates

  • 1531-1788

Creator

Language of Materials

Most of the materials are written in Italian.

Conditions Governing Access

Open for public research.

Conditions Governing Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from Sfondrati family papers must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Board of Curators.

Biographical History

The Sfondrati family were important political and religious leaders in Italy.

The Sfondrati family was founded by Francesco Sfondrati (1493-1550) and his wife Anna Visconti de Madrone (died 1535). The Sfondrati were of Spanish descent, and had lived in Cremona before settling in Milan. Francesco trained as a lawyer and taught at the University of Pavia. He became involved in politics, and was eventually made Count of Riviera di Lecco in 1537. After the death of his wife in 1538, Sfondrati entered service to the Church and became cardinal. Francesco and Anna had seven children. Of these, his sons Niccolò and Paolo were the most prominent. Like his father, Niccolò joined the Church, becoming a cardinal in 1583 and then being elevated to pope as Gregory XIV (1590-1591). Niccolò's brother, Paolo, was Baron of Valassina and Count of Riviera. Paolo's sons continued the family's legacy as political, military, and religious leaders: Ercole became Duke of Montemarciano, Francesco a general in the papal forces and marchese of Montafia, and Paolo Emilio a cardinal and papal secretary of state. The last male member of the family was Carlo Sfondrati, Count of Riviera (died 1788).

Extent

3 folders (0.1 linear ft.)

Appraisal

19th Century Western and Mormon Manuscripts.

General

Sfondrati collection.

Title
Register of Sfondrati family papers
Status
Completed
Author
Leslie Evens
Date
2011 October 31
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English in Latin script.

Repository Details

Part of the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Repository

Contact:
1130 HBLL
Brigham Young University
Provo Utah 84602 United States