The fine volume Caterina de' Medici, regina e mecenate was created by the Marilena Ferrari Art House which aims, through the quality and excellence of its projects and the initiatives that it promotes, to encourage collaboration between men of knowledge and men of practical skill, so that Italian creative genius, intellect and awareness can by translated, through manual intelligence, into culture, in order to contribute to the birth of a new Renaissance. The work aims to pay tribute to Catherine de' Medici who in view of her personal characteristics, her inclinations and her determined activity of patronage can be considered to all effects one of the first supporters and ambassadors of the finest traditions of Italy' artisan excellence, and more.
The volume Caterina de' Medici, regina e mecenate is a total work of art that represents the archetype of fine Italian craftsmanship. It is inspired by the letters of patronage that Catherine sent to the great artists of the Renaissance, and today allows us to recount the work and techniques of the finest masters of art who are the heirs of that unforgettable period. It is a true jewel, entirely produced according to the ancient and noble traditions of calligraphy, on sheets of natural parchment. This volume is the emblem of "fine Italian craftsmanship" today.

The work was displayed to the public for the first time in the exhibition  "Caterina de' Medici. L'arte del saper fare bene Italiano" (Catherine de Medici and the Art of Fine Italian Craftsmanship) housed in the Complesso del Vittoriano from 16th October -22nd November 2009. The exhibition paid tribute to the famous Italian sovereign, niece of Lorenzo the Magnificent, wife of Henry II of Valois, cultured lover of the arts, the undisputed queen of Renaissance France and great patron, through masterpieces of art such as works from the Uffizi, the Palatine Gallery in Florence and the Carnavalet Museum in Paris, a testimony to how Caterina de' Medici is a symbol of fine Italian craftsmanship. The exhibition was sponsored by the Ministry for Arts and Culture, Rome City Council, the Province of Rome and the Lazio Region and was promoted by the Fondazione Marilena Ferrari in collaboration with Alessandro Nicosia's Comunicare Organizzando.