Cultural immersion: diplomacy, learning, and mobility in the childhood of Federico II Gonzaga during the War of the League of Cambrai (1508–16)

During the Italian Wars (1494–1559), Francesco II Gonzaga (1466–1519) and Isabella d’Este (1474–1539) agreed to send their firstborn son, Federico II Gonzaga (1500–1540), to Rome (1510–1513) and France (1515–1517) to protect the marquisate of Mantua. Analysing both voyages reveals that he began his journey as a passive object, but his sojourns resulted in education and, eventually, a significant role as a dynastic mediator. In light of these experiences, this article argues for greater recognition of childhood travel to inform current interpretations of diplomatic relations and childhood in Renaissance Italy.