That Eleonora di Toledo had a tremendous impact upon Tuscan visual culture is a given but little is known about her contribution to the political, economic or spiritual life of the duchy. These edited papers explore Eleonora's influence and offer a biographical overview of her life. '... a valuable and much needed contribution to the scholarship on Eleonora di Toledo...' Gabriele Neher, The Art Book '...carefully crafted and most useful introduction... a collection of interconnected essays that are clearly written and tightly organized.' Renaissance Quarterly