Vittoria Borsò

Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy, born in 1628, was the son of Thomas Francis, Prince of Carignano. He was born deaf and learned to communicate through lip-reading and speaking with difficulty. His education included instruction from Don Manuel Ramirez, a teacher for the deaf, and studies in various sciences under Alessandro Tesauro. Philibert also served in military campaigns with his father and later became a colonel of cavalry in the service of Louis XIV of France. He rose to the rank of lieutenant general and was appointed governor of Asti. As a prominent figure in the Savoyard succession, he was heir presumptive for a period. A notable patron of architecture, he commissioned the Palazzo Carignano in Turin and oversaw significant renovations at the castle of Racconigi, including gardens designed by André le Nôtre. He also represented Philip V of Spain in a proxy marriage and served as a godfather. He died in 1709.

Born in 1628, Emmanuel Philibert of Savoy, the 2nd Prince of Carignano, faced a significant challenge from birth: he was deaf. Despite this, he developed the ability to communicate by reading lips and speaking, though with considerable effort. His early education was guided by Don Manuel Ramirez, a renowned Spanish educator for the deaf, who taught him to read and write. Philibert further pursued his studies in a range of scientific disciplines under Alessandro Tesauro, demonstrating a strong aptitude for learning.

In his youth, Emmanuel Philibert accompanied his father, Thomas Francis, on military campaigns in Lombardy, where he distinguished himself with bravery. Later, he entered the service of Louis XIV of France, becoming a colonel of cavalry. He was promoted to lieutenant general by Charles Emmanuel II, Duke of Savoy, and subsequently served as the governor of the city of Asti. During a period following the death of Charles Emmanuel II, Philibert was the heir presumptive to the Duchy of Savoy, a position he held until a male heir was born.

Emmanuel Philibert possessed a keen interest in architecture and left a significant mark on the built environment. He commissioned the construction of the Palazzo Carignano in Turin, a notable building completed between 1679 and 1684. His patronage extended to major renovations of the castle of Racconigi, where he engaged Guarino Guarini to rebuild an existing structure and enlisted André le Nôtre to design formal French-style gardens for the park. These projects highlight his appreciation for grand design and artistic collaboration.

In the later stages of his life, Emmanuel Philibert played a role in significant dynastic events. In 1701, he acted as proxy for Philip V of Spain in a marriage ceremony with Maria Luisa of Savoy. He also served as a godfather to Princess Maria Adelaide. He married Maria Angela Caterina d'Este in 1684, a union that faced opposition from Louis XIV. The couple had four children: two daughters, Maria Isabella and Maria Vittoria, and two sons, Victor Amadeus and Thomas Philippe Gaston. Only their son Victor Amadeus had issue.