Isabella d Este Great Woman of the Renaissance Essay

Historians and scholars often overlook the part that women played in the Renaissance. Did women have a Renaissance? The period did not occur in a male only vacuum; women played an important part in the changes taking place across Europe. No matter a woman’s station in the class system, women, were still considered the sinful daughter of Eve, the downfall of man. Into this world stepped Isabella d’Este, one of the great women of the Renaissance. Isabella d’Este left behind not only the great works of art that she collected and commissioned during her lifetime but a treasure trove â€Å"amounting to upwards of two thousand letters, which have fortunately been preserved.† Through these letters, scholars learn what kind of woman Isabella was,†¦show more content†¦She and her sister Beatrice were given and education that was equal to that of her brothers. The young Isabella was engaged to Giovanni Francesco Gonzaga when she was six years old. Historian and Biographer Julia Cartwright Ady quotes Cosmio Tura, â€Å"I can assure you that her marvelous knowledge and intelligence are far more worthy of admiration [than her beauty].† Isabella was a stunning beauty but she impressed even diplomatic visitors to her father’s court with her keen intellect. Her home in Ferrara was a center of culture and learning, and Isabella benefitted from this at an early age. Her parents were both classically educated and from her birth, Isabella was surrounded by scholars, poets, artists and the great works of art her parents had collected. To a young Isabella appreciation of art must have came naturally her father reportedly had three passions the love of building, of the theater and traveling. Her Mother collected art and decorated her private rooms as well with her husband their homes. Her father was also a collector of art and antiquities. Later in her life, their tastes would diverge and Isabella chose a more secular tract; she did not completely decorate or build a church. Isabella reflected both her parents in her patronage but she was mainly attracted to the works of European masters as was her mother. At age sixteen, Isabella married Francesco Gonzaga, theShow MoreRelatedHow Did Isabella DEste Influence The Renaissance Period862 Words   |  4 PagesISABELLA D’ESTE QUESTIONS How did Isabella D’este influence the Renaissance period? Isabella d’Este was a powerful and well-educated cultural and political figure. She contributed to the Renaissance period by changing the unique role of woman in the Renaissance age, Isabella was openly , opinionated about politics topics and warfare. When her husband, Francesco 2 Gonzaga left the city, Isabella governed Mantua on her own. Isabella changed Mantua into a centre of culture and art and became ChiefRead MoreHave You Ever Thought About Any Of The Main People In The1221 Words   |  5 Pages Have you ever thought about any of the main people in the Renaissance? Is there any that stood out to you for their hard work? There were many successful and inspiring people during the Renaissance of 1400’s and 1500’s. This paper will show how Isabella D’Este earned her name and is now recognized as one of the most famous patron of the arts from the Renaissance. Isabella D Este was born on May 18, 1474 into a ruling family which was when it all began. She was married at the age of sixteen toRead MoreLeonardo Da Vinci s Portrait Of Cecilia Gallerani Essay2022 Words   |  9 Pagesof Leonardo s fascination. It is not just Sforza who adores Cecilia. From this portrait, it looks as if the painter is attracted to her, as well. The idea that Leonardo could be aroused by a woman at all is a bit of a surprise. This is not the image of him that has come down to us. Ever since Renaissance witnesses recorded that he loved to surround himself with beautiful young men, his homosexuality has been an open secret. As a youth, he was twice accused of sodomy, though never prosecuted (apparentlyRead MoreThe Renaissance Period3406 Words   |  14 PagesThe argument being put forward in this dissertation is that the Renaissance in Europe, with specific emphasis on Italy, during the 15th Century, was the most influential period in developing the ‘early modern’ human society. Many believe that this was due to its almost perfect location between Western Europe and the Eastern shore of the Mediterranean. By analysing various factors and sources, as well as different aspects of society, for example political factors and the views of contemporary texts