Isabella d'Este: A Renaissance Princess

Isabella dEste, Marchioness of Mantua (1474-1539), was a prominent figure in Renaissance Italy, known for her court culture, political influence, and interest in literature, music, painting, antiquities, fashion, jewelry, and travel. This biography offers a comprehensive account of her life, exploring her relationships with family and friends, as well as her activities in politics, diplomacy, and fashion. It distinguishes her interests from those of other women of her status and provides insights into life in northern Italian courts during the Renaissance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 12 March 2019
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Isabella dEste, Marchioness of Mantua (1474-1539), stands as a captivating figure in Renaissance Italy, celebrated for her embodiment of Renaissance court culture and her remarkable influence in the political realm. This comprehensive biography delves into the diverse tapestry of her life, spanning from her childhood to her final years as a dowager. Rather than viewing her as an icon, this book presents Isabella dEste as a woman of her time and place, exploring the full spectrum of her activities and passions. It encompasses her relationships with her parents, siblings, husband, and children, as well as her deep interest in literature, music, painting, antiquities, politics, diplomacy, fashion, jewelry, female relationships, and her insatiable thirst for travel.

By contextualizing Isabella dEste within the vibrant Italy of her era, this book distinguishes her typical interests and behaviors from those that were uniquely hers. Notably, it sheds light on the elaborate apartments she designed for herself and the extensive surviving correspondence that offers a profound glimpse into the daily life of the major courts in northern Italy, serving as vibrant hubs of Renaissance culture.

This captivating biography will captivate undergraduates and graduates alike, with its rich insights into the life and times of Isabella dEste. It appeals to scholars and enthusiasts of early modern history, gender studies, renaissance studies, and art history, offering fresh perspectives on one of the most celebrated figures of Renaissance Italy.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 196 x 129 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367002473