Role of Renée of France in the diplomatic game of the XVI century

Abstract

The article explores womens political activity in Europe of the XVI century. The vivid example of that were Rene of Frances actions during her staying in Ferrara (15281559). After her parents death, Louis XII and Anne of Brittany, the princess was an important element of the Valois dynastic policy for a long time. She was a potential bride in the rapidly changing combinations of the period of the Italian Wars. Being married to the Duke of Ferrara, Rene was the daughter of France, first of all, and became a guide of the French kings political aspirations in Italy. The Duchess also assumed the patroness role for French emigrants-supporters of Protestantism, which created a unique precedent in the dispute over jurisdiction in matters of faith between her husband Ercole d`Este and Pope of Rome. The example of Rene of France contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between diplomacy and marriage in the royal houses of Europe. The role of a high-ranking lady in conducting diplomatic practices is revealed as a mediator in the politics of France and Ferrara. Thus, the analysis of local religious and political activity of Rene of France allows correlating the realities of princesss political body with her actions as a direct actor of European politics.

Keywords

• women studies
• gender studies
• xvi century france
• ferrara
• renée of france
• ercole ii d’este
• francis i de valois
• anne of brittany
• louise de savoy
• henry ii of france