Women as Patrons

Women were usually unable to exert control over their surroundings during the Renaissance. However, a few upper class women began to take control by becoming patrons of the arts. Women such as Isabella d'Este and Caterina Sforza became major patrons of the arts. They created magnificent personal collections that moved beyond traditional painting and sculpture. They were able to commission work which allowed them to choose they way in which they were presented. Occasionally these patrons favored female artists.

Portrait of Isabella d'Este. c. 1534-1536. Oil. Kunsthistorisches Museum.