Petrus Gonsalvus
Pedro González | |
|---|---|
Pedro González, painting c. 1580 (Ambras Collection) | |
| Born | Pedro González c. 1537 |
| Died | c. 1618 Capodimonte |
| Occupation | Courtier |
| Years active | 1547–1618 |
| Spouse |
Catherine (m. 1573) |
| Children | Madeleine Enrique Françoise Antonietta Horacio Ercole |
Petrus Gonsalvus (Spanish: Pedro González; c. 1537, Tenerife – c. 1618, Capodimonte) was a gentleman in the court of Henry II of France.
Referred to by Ulisse Aldrovandi as "the man of the woods", he was notable for his unusual hairiness, which attracted attention throughout his life (and beyond, especially as most of his children inherited his condition). This interest came both from doctors — being considered the first definitely recorded case of hypertrichosis (at least in Europe) — as well as from society at large (including high society, where he spent much time), with him acquiring such nicknames as the "wild gentleman of Tenerife" (Spanish: salvaje gentilhombre de Tenerife) and the "Canarian werewolf" (hombre lobo canario). His life at various courts in France and Italy has been well chronicled.