Isabel de Josa facts for kids

Dona Isabel de Josa y Cardona (born around 1508 in Lleida, Catalonia, Spain – died 1575 in Lleida) was an important Catalan writer and thinker. She was known for her intelligence and her deep understanding of philosophy and religion.

Early Life and Family

Isabel de Josa was born into a very wealthy and powerful family in Barcelona. Her birth name was Isabel d'Orrit. She later married Guillem Ramon de Josa. Her family's influence helped her to pursue her studies and interests.

A Brilliant Mind

Isabel de Josa was a true scholar. She was a humanist, which means she studied classical subjects like history, literature, and philosophy. She was also skilled in Latin, the language of scholars at the time. She was a philosopher and an expert in the ideas of Dun Scotus, a famous medieval thinker.

Connection with Ignatius Loyola

Isabel de Josa was part of a special group of women called "las Iñigas." This group was made up of women from wealthy Barcelona families who were followers of Ignatius Loyola. Ignatius Loyola was the person who started the Jesuit order, a very important religious group. Isabel helped Ignatius with his studies. She also wrote letters to him for many years. This shows how important she was to his work and how respected she was by him.

Later Life and Writings

Isabel de Josa became a widow in 1539. After her husband passed away, she traveled to Rome. She wrote a book called Tristis Isabella. Sadly, this book is now lost, so we cannot read her words today. However, her reputation as a brilliant and influential woman lives on.