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Isabella d’Este: Renaissance Influencer

Discover the woman we all want to be, but not be related to.

Discover the captivating life of Isabella d'Este with Professor Suzannah Lipscomb and acclaimed novelist and historian Sarah Dunant. They discuss Isabella's incredible journey from a well-educated noblewoman to the First Lady of the Renaissance, how she mastered political strategy, diplomatic finesse, and art patronage while navigating the treacherous Italian wars.

Suzannah and Sarah uncover intimate details of Isabella's unconventional marriage and her groundbreaking influence in the art world as she pursued Michelangelo for the perfect portrait with a unique blend of charm and ruthlessness, which made her one of history's most compelling women.

Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.
All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.
Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcast.

Unearthing the Past is a beguiling new series Sarah has written and read for Radio 4 which explores the craft of blending fact and fiction to understand the past with Renaissance icon Isabella d'Este at their centre.

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55 minutes