Isabel de Austria

Synopsis of Isabel de Austria

Isabel of Austria, an enigmatic and unknown figure, is considered today as a beautiful and intelligent queen who shone in the monarchies of modern Europe. She was a key piece in the Habsburg strategy to gain political advantages and consolidate the prestige of her lineage. Daughter of Philip the Handsome and Joanna the Mad, and sister of Emperor Charles V, Isabel was queen of the three Scandinavian crowns of the Kalmar Union after her marriage to Christian II of Denmark. This biography rescues Isabel from oblivion, presenting her as a popular, insightful, astute, cultured, and wise queen, who learned Danish in a short time. From a young age, she showed a personality of great interest, educated for courtly life, moving skillfully in politics and cultural, social, and religious events.