1474-1539
Patron Of The Arts

Female Connoisseur. Isabella d'Este, a notable patron of the arts and collector of antiquities, established the first known studiolo (study) created for a woman. The daughter of Ercole d'Este and Eleonora of Aragon, she came from an eminent family of patrons and collectors of art. Giovanni Battista Guarino and Mario Equicola served her as tutors; the latter taught her Latin and became her secretary in 1508. She was an accomplished player on the lute and viol, abilities considered desirable for court ladies. Isabella's marriage to Francesco il Gonzaga, Marchese of Mantua, took place when she was sixteen years old. She bore him seven children, including an heir (Federico II) and a son (Ercole) who became a cardinal. Isabella established her own apartments in the ducal palace, commissioning works for it from notable Italian painters and sculptors. Her studiolo and grotta (treasure chamber...