ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the various dynastic expressions in the codex of Paolo Rinaldi to see to what extent they resonated with the concerns of Alessandro's sons, Ranuccio and Odoardo Farnese. The analysis of the 'Liber relationum' is pursued in two steps. First, it examines the collapse of Alessandro's authority in the Low Countries and his fall from royal grace. Second, it illustrates the genesis and structure of the text of Paolo Rinaldi in comparison with other works of representation and glorification of the Farnese dynasty. Past historiography on Alessandro's campaigns has often downplayed or neglected the significance of dynasticism for his activities as commander of the Habsburg forces. Indeed, the early 1590s showed clear signs of ethnic antagonism in the officer corps of the Habsburg forces. The case of the 'Liber relationum' illustrates the variety of defences and justifications they could use to claim their rewards or to expunge the stains on their honour.
