Chiara Spinelli

Chiara Spinelli (1744-1823),^[1] later the Princess of Belmonte, was an Italian noblewoman and artist, especially noted as a pastellist.^[2]

Self-portrait in the Uffizi

Spinelli was born in Naples, the daughter of Troiano, the ninth Duke of Laurino, who also published in philosophy.^[1] In 1762 she married Antonio Francesco Pignatelli, the prince of Belmonte, becoming his second wife.^[3] He died in 1794.^[4] She was also the mistress of Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies.

She took part in the revolution which led to the creation of the Parthenopean Republic in 1799; at its collapse she was exiled to France.^[5] Even after her exile she remained involved in political intrigue, and was noted by French police as one of the Neapolitan exiles who were part of a conspiracy plotting to invade and overtake Naples.^[6]

A self-portrait by Spinelli is held in the collection of the Uffizi in Florence; it was originally displayed alongside those of Irene Parenti Duclos and Anna Borghigiani.^[7]

Spinelli was also an active patron of arts and literature; she hosted a salon, and sponsored composers such as Niccolo Piccinni.^[8]