Celebrating the Birthday of Isabella d'Este: Marchioness of Mantua and First Lady of the Renaissance



Isabella d’Este was born on May 17th, in the year 1474. Her birth is recorded in an illuminated manuscript – the Genealogy of the Princes of the Este Family: that book contains the very first portrait of Isabella, featuring here as a baby. Underneath her portrait these lines: “Isabella is the first legitimate daughter – and fourth natural child – of the Duke Hercules d’Este and his wife, Eleonor of Aragon. She was born on Tuesday 17th May, at half an hour after the first hour of the night”.

According to the Julian Calendar, Isabella was a Gemini, and her ascendant was Sagittarius. This zodiac sign appears on the reverse of the medal cast for Isabella by Giancristoforo Romano.
VisitMantua celebrates the anniversary of Isabella’s birth with a selection of the portraits of the “First Lady of the Renaissance”.

 

Anonymous Ferrarese illuminator – Giancristoforo Romano – Leonardo da Vinci
School of Leonardo – Anoymous cameo carver – Lorenzo Costa
Anyonimous Painter – Titian – Rubens

Do you want to know more about the woman, who  –  even during her lifetime – was named "The First Lady" of the Renaissance?
Contact us and discover through our professional services the beautiful and fascinating private rooms of Isabella in the Ducal Palace of Mantua. Or book your Tour via ToursByLocals
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