Alfonso IV D'Este, Duke Of Modena

Alfonso IV d'Este was born on 2 February 1634 in Modena. He was the eldest son of Francesco I d'Este, Duke of Modena, and his first wife, Maria Caterina Farnese. Alfonso became Duke of Modena and Reggio following the death of his father in 1658. His tenure as duke lasted until his death on 16 July 1662.

Alfonso's health was reported to be poor; he suffered from gout and tuberculosis. His reign lasted approximately four years before his death at the age of 28.

In 1655, Alfonso married Laura Martinozzi, who was the niece of Cardinal Mazarin. The marriage was conducted by proxy at the Palace of Compiègne on 27 May 1655, which coincided with Laura's sixteenth birthday. The proxy marriage was performed with the Count of Soissons representing Alfonso. The union produced two children: a daughter, Mary of Modena, and a son, Francesco, who later became Duke of Modena.

Mary of Modena married James II of England, serving as his consort. Francesco succeeded Alfonso IV as Duke of Modena following the death of Alfonso.

In the context of European political affairs, the Franco-Spanish War concluded in 1659. As a result of his support for France during the conflict, Modena was rewarded with the town of Correggio. After Alfonso's death, his widow Maria Teresa d'Este acted as regent for their young son until he reached maturity.

Alfonso IV was a member of the House of Este, a noble family with a historical presence in Italy. His ancestry includes notable figures from noble Italian and French families, contributing to the alliance networks of the period.

References for this information include Luciano Chiappini's 2001 publication, "Gli Estensi. Mille anni di storia," which provides historical context on the Este family lineage. There are also media archives related to Alfonso IV d'Este available at Wikimedia Commons.

No further details about his early life, specific achievements, or additional family ties are included in this account.