Duke Ercole I of Ferrara was a prominent Italian nobleman who ruled from 1471 to 1505. He was a member of the House of Este, a powerful family in Renaissance Italy. Ercole is known for his efforts to enhance the cultural and political status of Ferrara, transforming it into a center of art and learning. Under his rule, Ercole I supported artists and intellectuals, including the famous painter Baldassare Peruzzi. He also strengthened the duchy's defenses and expanded its territory. His reign is often marked by a blend of political acumen and patronage of the arts, contributing to the legacy of the Este family.