In this episode, we are traveling back to 17th century Poland and exploring the life of Marie Louise Gonzaga. She was Queen of Poland and Grand Duchess of Lithuania and one of the most powerful women in the 17th-century Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth..

She steered the Commonwealth through war, intrigue, and the Swedish Deluge. A survivor, strategist, and cultural patron, her story reveals how her complicated legacy still speaks to women today.

Marolles Tarot Rules (1637) https://www.pagat.com/tarot/marolles.html

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In this first episode of our podcast series, we are traveling back to 16th century Florence and exploring the life of Eleanor of Toledo. She was the Duchess of Florence and one of the most powerful women in the 16th-century Italian states. Eleanor wielded profound influence for a woman of her time. Her life offers several valuable lessons that remain relevant today.

This episode focuses on Eleanor's cultural and social influence and her skilled use of patronage, fashion, and the arts to promote the fortunes of the House of Medici. For fashionistas there is an extended discussion of several of her gowns, including the one pictured in her most famous portrait.

For an in-depth article on the gown we discuss in the podcast. please see Bronzino, Portrait of Eleonora of Toledo with her son Giovanni by Christine Zapella at:

https://smarthistory.org/bronzino-portrait-of-eleonora-of-toledo-with-her-son-giovanni/

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