The first Scaliger lady capable of political action.

Pietro Nanin (1808 - 1861), Antonio Della Scala and Samaritana da Polenta in Piazza delle Erbe, miniature on parchment - Art Library of Castelvecchio Museum, Verona

Daughter of the Lord of Rimini, Samaritana married Antonio della Scala in 1382. Fair-haired and snow-white-skinned, Samaritana was an enchanting girl, and their lavish wedding, which would be fabled for a long time, lasted for several weeks. Little did the young newlyweds know that the abyss awaited them. Antonio was the illegitimate son of Cansignorio: his troubled reign would last only five years, and with it Scaliger rule in Verona would end (1387). Samaritana exerted a strong influence over her husband and was described by the humanist Marzagaia as a cruel seductress and lover of luxury. This harsh judgment would be conditioned by the court chronicler's personal resentment of the woman. He himself had to admit that Samaritana displayed unquestioned political skills and courage.

After Antonio's defeat forced her to flee secretly from Verona, Samaritana, with surprising energy, tried several times to regain the kingdom, weaving alliances even after her husband's death. In 1391, armed as a knight, she participated with her son in a military action in a vain attempt to retake Verona. Isolated and with no more support, she showed a courageous sense of honor by refusing to prostrate herself at the feet of the victors as this would have been more convenient. A strong-willed woman, between lights and shadows, who undoubtedly did not limit herself to being a mere pawn in male political alliances.