Patrizia Elisa of Serenissima Repubblica di Italia

A conceptual sketch of the Italian Woman Warrior for the Historically Wrong Sketch Series Project: Blood and Steel, based on the 17th Century timeline. In this series, the Italians are represented as The Most Serene Republic of Italy, which is an anachronistic union of various trading city states, duchies and independent merchant leagues united under a single banner, ruled by a collective council of Patricians and Powerful Dukes as well as Counts.

Inspired by the music: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Jq5tP… - A Tuscan Night (Andreas Waldetoft)
Actually... I drew it while listening to www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpc3cC… - Down the Road C2C

When looking at the History of Italian Peninsula, one can only awe that its history is rich with conquest and wealth contested by many powerful kings and emperors. Out of all the famous empire that ruled the Italian Peninsula, was the ancient Romans, who conquered pretty much the known world, whose influence laid many foundation to many European Civilization for centuries to come. The fall of Roman Empire could be said as the mark as the birth of independents Italian powers, whose land were then contested by the Byzantines, the French, Spanish, German, even the Muslims, depending on which historical period you are looking at. Most of the time, the Italian were renowned for their Powerful Independent City States and Merchant Republics (Pisa, Genoa, Venice, etc.), whose patrician families were known for their wealth and major control in European Economy and Market.

The 17th Century was a much more dormant period, where the majority of the Peninsula was ruled by foreign powers. Before then, much of Italy was were booming under renaissance, but the invasion by numerous foreign powers, like the French, Turk, German and Spain. The discovery of new world also diminished the Italian Trade Powers, as Europeans were becoming less dependent on Italian Merhcants and focus more on Colonization Effort to obtain wealth and resources. It was also in this period, that the Catholic-Protestant split diminished the importance of the Papacy, plus, the expansionists Ottomans on the East would always challenge the control over Mediterranean. It was the Austrian Hapsburg that maintained much control of the northern Italian peninsula, which saw a relative period of peace, before Napoleon Invaded Italy in the early 19th century.

Italy has a very complex history, owing to its unique and more progressive political, philosophical, educational and cultural policy, in comparison to the other more conservative, feudal and traditional Europeans. I would really suggest that you read it's history in depth, as my limited knowledge could barely scratch the surface.


When trying to draw my Italian character, especially in the !7th Century Era, it was actually quite challenging to come up with attires that would resemble the stereotypical Italian Renaissance fashion, especially on Women, while at the same time, creating something which would be at least practical in combat situation. After much research, I drew Patrizia Elisa of the House of Bastavanza, in a fitting clothing for fease of movement (it's actually a male clothing), with cape/coat as well as various jewelries. Her clothing would have been made with the finest silk, for the added advantage of minimizing damage caused by arrow, dagger stab or crossbow bolts (a common protective garment, used by the mongols).

Given her status as a patrician, it it less likely that she would take part in direct combat. Even if she is armed with an estoc, a dagger or pistol, her skill would be limited to self defense. On the other hand, She would have had an army of personal bodyguards and her own merchant fleets, which would be enough to fight a poorly armed, undisciplined army of levies, irregulars as well as small bands of pirates. Elisa's true skill lies in her ability in managing a merchant empire and trade power, rivaling her competitors across europe...and most importantly, she trades in gunpowder and guns. Although, most of the time, she prefers to stay politically neutral, the rising power of various states and Empires would one day, drag the Italian in the volatile conflict and wars that drags on in the series.


If there is any italian out there, please pardon the anachronistic portrayal in the series.
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Jealous Neighbors are Jealous:

Elisa's partner and trusted right hand: The Jewish Rivkah



Please refer to the Historical Faction Map for more information on the cultural group and related faction (May not be accurate and up-to-date) -