Arts
In this new episode of the Museum of Femininity we will explore the life of another female art collector, who was also an eminent political leader in Renaissance Italy.Isabella d'Este (1474-1539) was the Marchioness of Mantua, who collected a variety of Ancient sculptures, medals and artefacts which she displayed in her Studiolo. Along with collecting classical works of art she also commissioned various paintings by the most notable Old Masters of the age including Leonardo da Vinci, Perugino, Mantegna and Titian. She was a forceful character who kept meticulous records and sent hundreds of letters with detailed instructions about how her studio was to be constructed, displaying a firmness but also the ability to persuade with flattery and charm.As well as her formidable connoisseurship she showed immense political prowess and often stepped into the role of leader during times of war.Sources https://isabelladeste.web.unc.edu/profile-of-isabella-deste/http://www.italianrenaissanceresources.com/units/unit-8/essays/isabella-deste-collects/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdkbLv8vgYQ