The Patronage of Isabella d’Este: An Examination of Isabella d’Este’s Motivations as a Patroness in Renaissance Italy

The patronage system was the dominant force behind the creation of new works of art throughout the Renaissance and helped to bring about some of the greatest masterpieces of the time. This paper will specifically examine the works patronized by Isabella d’Este, including music, musical instruments, and literature. Using the patronage classification system discussed by Howard M. Brown, this paper will discuss Isabella’s motivations as a patron, either out of an internal love of art (mecenatismo) or to conform to societal expectations and other external cultural pressures (clientelismo). Using works by Ariosto, Tromboncino, and Cara, this study will endeavour to better understand the motivations of Isabella d’Este as a patron and by proxy, other female patrons during the Italian Renaissance