Three Renaissance Lives: The Patron, The Poisoner and The Mercenary Soldier

Lecture 2 - Lucrezia Borgia - The Poisoner

Wednesday 11 February 2026

 6.30pm arrival for a 7.00pm start, ending at 8.00pm

The Lowry Room, Tonbridge School

Join Dr Lydia Goodson as she returns for the second of three lectures.which will explore the lives and the art of three extraordinary Renaissance men and women.

Renowned throughout Europe, all three were among the rock stars of their time. Their lives tell us much about the Italian Renaissance - as it was lived and how it has been reinvented to suit later narratives.

Lucrezia Borgia was the daughter of a Pope who was married three times to satisfy her family's ambition.  Lucrezia has been the subject of numerous books, films, television programmes and even an opera. In her lifetime, she was famous for her beauty and is now infamous as a poisoner and lascivious schemer. In this talk, we will delve beneath the notoriety to find the evidence of the real Lucrezia and to understand what her eventful life tells us about Renaissance politics and attitudes towards women.

Dr Lydia Goodson is an art historian specialising in the Italian Renaissance, and a former Tonbridge parent. Lydia teaches for the V & A Academy, is an Art History Tutor at CityLIt, an accredited Arts Society lecturer, and a visiting lecturer for The Warburg Institute.

Sandwiches and refreshments will be served.

Places: 40

Cost: £15.00

This event is fully accessible.