ESTE, ISABELLA D'

(1474-1539)

Marchioness of the Italian principality ofMantuaand a noted a patron of arts and literature. Brought up as the daughter of Duke Ercole I ofFerraraand given the rare privilege of sharing thehumanisticeducation given in the court school founded byGuarino Guarini, she became famous for her learning. In 1490 she marriedFrancesco Gonzaga, marquis of Mantua. She bore six children and carefully prepared the girls to become prominent princesses or nuns, and her sons to pursue careers as soldiers or clerics. She collected books and paintings by leading authors and artists of her time. During her husband's frequent absences for military service, Isabella administered the state and gained a reputation for justice. She also ruled during the interval between Francesco's death and the majority of their son Federico II.

See alsoEste, House of.