Date of Award
Spring 4-2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Art History
First Advisor
James Hutson
Second Advisor
Alexis Culotta
Third Advisor
Steven J. Cody
Abstract
This thesis is based on how Isabella d'Este (1474-1539) cultivated her extensive collection of rare antiques and art, given the parallel evolution of her art commissions and political concerns as it pertains to iconography and feminism. Instead of discussing what previous scholars have researched concerning Isabella d’Este, this thesis will incorporate the iconography as it pertains to her commissions in a historiographical sense, as well as argue why this iconography would eventually become a beacon for feminist discussion. This will primarily examine Isabella’s commissions from 1494 to 1507, including her earliest portraits and the first four paintings of her studiolo. This will include background of iconographic theory alongside how Isabella wanted herself depicted as a powerful court lady of Mantua from a feminist standpoint.
Recommended Citation
Reinkemeyer, Katie, "Isabella D’Este's Evolution of Art Patronage: A Study of a Renaissance Woman Through Iconographic and Feminist Perspectives" (2021). Theses. 2.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theses/2