is considered one of the more successful female playwrights of her time, which is attributed to her time on stage as an actress. In one of her most notable works, La Mirtilla (1588), Andreini was able to address controversial and taboo topics regarding women and queerness. Through this play, she addresses the power, self-awareness, and independence of women as well as deep and supportive female relationships. Further, she explores the idea of lesbianism through the character of Ardelia. She was able to intertwine proto-feminist ideas of gender and sexuality while meeting the complicated theatrical elements of pastoral dramas. Other female playwrights also started to introduce these ideas; however, Andreini's golden reputation and growing popularity allowed her to address these topics without the repercussions. Thus, she was able to use her large platform to bring light to the matter. Indeed, after publishing Mirtilla, she began corresponding with contemporary intellectuals, attending their forums, and – an uncommon achievement for a woman in her era – in 1601 she was integrated into the literary society of the Accademia degli Intenti of Pavia, for which she adopted the nickname of Accesa. In a poetry contest held by the Cardinal Giorgio Cinthio Aldobrandini of Rome, Isabella Andreini attained second place, only behind the Renaissance poet Torquato Tasso. Like Tasso, both Gabriello Chiabrera and Giambattista Marino have praised her. Some may argue that Andreini's writings were just as impressive if not far more impressive than her theatrical performances on the stage. Andreini highlighted subjects in her literary works that were not only extremely taboo but often severely ill explored. Andreini highlighted self-expression, erotic nature, gender identity, and sexuality in several of her piece's; the most famous piece being Rime D'Isabella Andreini Padouana Comica Gelosa, which highlights the eroticization of madness through a focus on sexuality and the body. Apart from writing plays, Isabella also wrote poetry and corresponded with a great variety of people. Legacy Poets and a number of composers and musicians left tributes in her honor. Gherardo Borgogni, a poet and literary editor, began writing verses honouring Andreini at the start of her literary career, and the two of them would end up exchanging verses for nearly twenty years. These verses for Andreini became the source of lyrics for future musical tributes. The earliest known musical tribute for Andreini was composed by Leone Leoni, and he used the Borgogni verses titled Tu pur ti