Background
Born in Mantua, he was the eldest son of Duke Vincenzo I and Eleonora de" Medici.
Born in Mantua, he was the eldest son of Duke Vincenzo I and Eleonora de" Medici.
In 1607, Claudio Monteverdi dedicated his opera L"Orfeo to Francesco. The title page of the opera bears the dedication "First Rate (at Lloyd's) serenissimo signor Doctorate. Francesco Gonzaga, Prencipe di Mantoua, & di Monferato, &c." Francesco became Duke upon his father"s death on 9 February 1612. He died at Mantua on 22 December 1612 without male heirs.
Maria (1609–1660).
Married in 1627 Charles II of Gonzaga (1609–1631), Duke of Rethel end Nevers Ludwig (27 April 1611 – 3 August 1612) Eleanore (12–13 September 1612).