| Isabella d'Este First Lady of the Renaissance |
| Picture of Isabella drawn by Leonardo Da Vinci |
| Sites related to Isabella d'Este |
| Introduction Isabella d'Este first lady of the renaissance, inventor, political ruler, patron of the arts, mother of seven children and musician. She was indeed a remarkable woman. Through out her life, she served not only herself but also others and helped to better the standards of living everywhere. All of these are characteristics of great leaders of the renaissance. By her words and actions she is revered and has become one of the most influential people in renaissance history. Early Life Isabella was born in May 1474 to the Duke Ercole and Duchess Leonora of Ferrara. She was received with great joy. A son was hoped for but could wait. One year later in June 1475 her sister Beatrice was born. Then in 1476 and 1477 two brothers were born. The first was Alfonso and second Ferrante. In 1479 and 1480 two more brothers were born.They were Ippolitto and Sigismondo. Of all the children Isabella reigned as the favorite. In 1474 when Ferrante was born, Isabella traveled to Naples with her mom and then when her mother returned to Ferrara, she went with her, while the other children stayed with their grandfather for eight years. As she traveled with her mom she learned politics and when it came time to study required subjects she was a master at it. Education As Isabella grew she received a royal schooling. As a child she studied Roman history, and rapidly learned to translate Greek and Latin. Because of her intellect she often discussed the classics and the affairs of the day with ambassadors. Moreover, she knew the painters, musicians, writers, and scholars, who lived in and around the court. Besides history and language, she could recite Virgil and Terrence from memory, and was an expert with lute, singing, and an innovator with new dances. In 1480 at age six Isabella was betrothed to Francesco Gonzaga who at that time was the heir to the Marquis of Mantua. Even though he was an ugly man Isabella liked him for his strength, and bravery, she also thought that he was a gentleman. After their first meetings she found she liked him and spent the next few years getting to know him and preparing herself to be the Marchessa of Mantua. During these courting times Isabella especially treasured the letters, poems and sonnets he sent her. Marriage Ten years later, at age 16, she married the 25 year old, now- reigning Marquis of Mantua and became the Marchessa to Francesco amid a spectacular outpouring of popular acclamation. Besides the Marquis Francesco was also Captain General of the republic of Venice armies. This gave him many duties; so in result a couple of days after their honeymoon he left her to perform her responsibilities alone. However Isabella wasn't always alone, she spent time with her mother and sister, and once she met Elisabetta Gonzaga her 18- year- old sister-in-law the two became fast friends. Influence on people When she wasn't with others, to entertain herself she read and played the lute, which she learned as a child and soon wanted to try all the new instruments that were being made available. In addition to music she collected art, and backed painters, like Titian, Raphael and Da Vinci. Forms of art such as clothing were also important, she bought the finest clothing, including furs and new brands of perfume. However, her role as a Marchessa meant more than just pleasing herself and others, so she decided to learn the problems faced by a ruler of a city-state. To improve the well being of her people she studied architecture, agriculture, and industry and followed the principles that Machiavelli set forth for rulers. Children After many years of waiting, a daughter was born to Isabella in Dec 1493. She was named Leonora in memory of her mother who had recently passed away. Three years later another daughter was born then died within two months. In 1500 she finally bore a son, named Frederico, everyone was overjoyed the Gonzaga reign would have a future heir. Years later three daughters and one son were born. Leonora was not ignored but throughout this whole time Isabella made it clear that Frederico was her favorite. Power During the time of her children's birth her husband now Captain General of the united forces was battling, with the French king Charles VII to keep him from taking territory in Italy. In 1509 he was captured in his sleep and taken to Venice. Made regent by the state Isabella took command of the city's armies and successfully held off the enemy hosts. In 1512 a peace treaty was signed and her husband was released. Her life after that however would be changed forever. Her husband was weak and ill after he was released, and became jealous of her power. Consequently he started ignoring her, and found fault with everything she did. Noticing her husbands' change of attitude toward her she decided to travel to Rome. Once in Rome she went to the court of Pope Leo X, where she lived like a queen and was the center of public attention. Years later Isabella returned to Mantua for a short period of time. In 1525 she returned to Rome and was quoted as saying, "all my heart is in Rome." Then once again on May 6, 1527 she defended her fortified position from French attacks led by Charles V, and gave aid and comfort to refugees. Death After conflicts died down she left Rome, and in her 60's returned to Mantua and made it a cultural center, started a school for girls and created her ducal apartments into a museum of the finest art. Nevertheless this was not enough for Isabella so she continued her life long quest and ruled a tiny part of Romagna, Solarlo until her death in 1539. Conclusion Isabella d'Este the ruler, demonstrated her strengths in the court and in her daily life. The inventions and expertise in all she studied, helped make Italy the thriving place, it was and is now. Everything she did benefited others, she influenced women all over the world and proved that women could be just as good political leaders. As a result of all her efforts she has been named one of the top 100 women of the millennium, and will forever be remembered by her words and actions. |
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| Modern World History |
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| Bibliography: Brianne&Jessica. Renaissance Women. 8 February, 2001. http://www.yesnet.yk.ca./schools/projects/reaissance/renaissance women.html Hicks, David L. "Este" Collier's Encyclopedia. 1992 ed. Langway, Lynn. Top 100 women of the Millenium. 8 February, 2001. http://www.women.com/news/top100/077.html Meyer, Edith P. First Lady of the Renaissance A Biography of Isabella d'Este. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1970. Sloan, John. D'Este, Isabella and Beatrice. 8 February, 2001. http://members.nbci.com/Rushistory/milhis/deste.html |
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| Painting of Isabella by Titian |
| Court of Isabella |
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| Frederico 10 years old |
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| Statue of Francesco Gonzaga |
| The Castello at Mantua |