Why Is Battista Sfortza Important In The Renaissance

Although some women, such as Urbino ruler Federico da Montefeltro’s wife, Battista Sfortza, were included in the Renaissance, this was a privilege that only women born or married into power obtained. During this time, in a common household, the father/husband was the center of the family, giving the family his name, being responsible for the family in all legal matters, managing all finances, giving his wife no share of his wealth, and making crucial decisions that determined his children’s lives. The father’s authority over his children was absolute until he died or formally freed them by going before a judge and emancipating them. In addition, women were expected to remain at home, and their primary function was to bear children. Florentine
Maria Visconti of Milan, the first wife of Duke Filippo, was executed for having an affair with the court musician. However, not all women carried the misfortune of living under the authority of a male figure. In fact, women played an important role in smaller Renaissance courts. Battista Sfortza was referred to by her husband as “the delight of both my public and my private hours.” Sfortza was intelligent, being well versed in both Greek and Latin, and did much to foster art and letters in Urbino. Since her husband was a prominent condottiere, he was frequently absent, so Sfortza was respected for governing the state “with firmness and good sense.” Another woman that was part of the Renaissance was Isabella d’Este, the wife of Francesco Gonzaga, marquis of Mantua. She was referred to as the “first lady of the world.” Known for her intelligence and political wisdom, she attracted intellectuals and artists to the Mantuan court, as well as held the responsibility of amassing one of the finest libraries in the city. Both before and after her husband’s death, d’Este effectively ruled Mantua and won a reputation as a clever