Isabella D'Este, the Grand Lady of Renaissance

EBJ- Series: Legendary Women in History painting by Titian Born in Ferrara (1474), and the eldest of six children, Isabella was raised in a household where culture, politics and the arts were ever-present. Her parents’ favourite, Isabella was extremely intelligent and a delightful conversationalist. She was such an avid learner of politics that by the age of sixteen she was already debating with ambassadors and politicians. Sixteen was also the age she married her betrothed, Francesco Gonzaga, Marquis of Mantua and General of the Venetian army (she actually knew–and was promised to him since the age of six!). With a flair for fashion, an eye for great art work, a passion for music and literature, a love of history and languages, and a knack for politics- this blonde beauty also had charisma to boot. Not only could Isabella influence fashion and set trends, renowned artists such as Titian, Raphael, and the great Leonardo- all regularly spent time earning her