In the Renaissance times a Renaissance Woman was supposed to marry well, be loyal to her husband and give birth to boys. Isabella d'Este was born in 1474 into the ruling family of Ferra. At the age of sixteen Isabella married Francesco Gonzaga. She then became the Marchioness of Mantua because Francesco was the Prince.After the death of her husband, Isabella ruled Mantua alone. Isabella's father believed in the equality of men and women and so Isabella and her siblings were very well-educated. Isabella died at the age of sixty-four in 1539.
Esabella d'Este had a great contributions on that time. She was very well-educated and when her husband left, Isabella governed the city on her own, and after he died she took over his whole job. She showed great leadership skills in 1509. She also founded a school for young women where they had to observe a strict code of morals. She was a patron of the Arts and she also set artistic fashions and standards. Isabella collected many paintings and statues. She also wrote over two thousand letters and in these she commented on everything from politics to war. That was the closest that any woman at that time ever got to writing history.
"Renaissance Women." Yukon Education Student Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2013.
"Isabella d'Este." G. CASAGRANDE HOME PAGE -- www.GiCas.net/. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2013.
"Isabella d'Este." G. CASAGRANDE HOME PAGE -- www.GiCas.net/. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 2013.