I believe you're referring to Pietro Monte, a famous master of arms who's referenced by Castiglione in The Book of the Courtier. Monte was very much the typical Renaissance man—a soldier, a scholar, a gentleman, a skilled swordsman—a man of the world who showed excellence in a number of fields. Monte was particularly renowned for his extensive knowledge of military arts and strategy, and his expertise was greatly valued not just by Castiglione, but by none other than Leonardo da Vinci himself. Monte was also a courtier, and is presented by Castiglione as one of the many "noble talents" that filled the house of Elisabetta Gonzaga, Duchess of Urbino. The fact that Castiglione mentions him indicates that he must have made quite an impression in his capacity as a courtier.
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