Maria Beatrice d'Este

Portrait en pied de Marie-Béatrix d'Este, duchesse de Massa, épouse de l'archiduc Ferdinand d'Autriche, par Anton von Maron, vers 1772.

## Title

### Appanage Titles

Princesse de Carrare (14 July, 1770 - Present)

## Biography

### Born

April 7 , 1750, Le Palais Ducal de Modène, Modène, Duché de Modène

### Spouse

Ferdinand d'Autriche-Este(m. 1771 - Present)

### Issue

Marie-Thérèse Jeanne d'Autriche-Este
Marie-Léopoldine de Modène
François Joseph de Habsbourg-Este

### Religion

Roman Catholicism

***Maria Beatrice Ricciarda d'Este, Duchesse de Massa et Princesse de Carrare*** (Italian: *Maria Beatrice Ricciarda d'Este*; 7 April 1750 – present) was the daughter of ***Hercule III de Modène***, and his bride ***Maria Teresa Cybo-Malaspina, Duchesse* *de Massa***. Maria is the last descendant of la Maison d'Este, de la Maison de Cybo-Malaspina, through her maternal grandmother Ricciarda, also de la Maison de Gonzaga de Novellara et Bagnolo. Ducal Princesse of Modena and Reggio, she became the sovereign Duchesse de Massa and Carrara in 1770 after her mothers death. Through her marriage, she was co-founder of the new Maison d'Autriche-Este.

## Early Life and Noble Lineage

Maria Beatrice was born on November 7, 1750, in the opulent surroundings of the House of Este, a noble Italian family that traced its roots back to the Middle Ages. Her parents were ***Ercole III d'Este, Duke of Modena and Reggio***, and ***Maria Teresa Cybo-Malaspina***, a prominent figure in the Duchy of Massa and Carrara.

Growing up, Maria Beatrice received a comprehensive education, emphasizing subjects like literature, arts, and diplomacy. Her parents recognized her intelligence and groomed her for a future role as a diplomat and leader in their family's territories.

## Marriage and Religion

In 1770, Maria Beatrice's mother passed away, and she inherited the Duchy of Massa and Carrara. As the new Suo Jure Duchess, she exhibited a deep sense of responsibility towards her people and dedicated herself to their welfare. Her reign was marked by a period of prosperity and cultural growth, and she became a patron of the arts, supporting artists, writers, and musicians in their creative endeavors.

Born into the illustrious House of Este, her parents sought to forge a political alliance that would bolster their family's standing and territorial influence. ***Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Este***, a member of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine, was chosen as the suitable match. The Habsburgs were a dominant force in European politics, and their influence extended over vast territories, including parts of modern-day Austria, Hungary, and Italy. By marrying Maria Beatrice to Archduke Ferdinand, the Este family aimed to secure a powerful ally, strengthen their own position, and ensure stability in their domains.

Despite the challenges that came with her position as a female ruler during a predominantly male-dominated era, Maria Beatrice proved to be a capable and resourceful leader. Her ability to negotiate and navigate the political landscape earned her respect among her contemporaries, and she played a vital role in maintaining stability in her territories.

## Personal life

Maria Beatrice and Archduke Ferdinand both played influential roles in promoting the arts and culture. In particular, she was known for her patronage of artists, writers, and musicians. Her court became a center of intellectual and artistic activity, attracting talented individuals from all over Europe.

Archduke Ferdinand and Maria Beatrice worked together to enhance the cultural and architectural landscape of the Duchy of Modena. Throughout her life, Maria Beatrice had a keen interest in the arts, literature, and intellectual pursuits. Her court became a hub of cultural activities, attracting artists, writers, and thinkers from across Europe. Her patronage and support of the arts contributed to the enrichment of the cultural landscape in her territories. They commissioned numerous architectural projects and art collections that still stand as a testament to their shared passion for culture.

## Titles and Styles

*Her Imperial Majesty:*

* Archduchesse d'Autriche
* Suo Jure Duchesse de Massa
* Suo Jure Princesse de Carra
* Princesse de Modena