Isabella Appiani facts for kids

Isabella Appiani (born 1577, died 1661) was an important ruler. She was the Princess of Piombino from 1611 to 1628. Her family was connected to the famous Lorenzo de' Medici.

Early Life and Family

Isabella was the daughter of Alessandro Appiani and Isabella de Mendoza. Her father passed away in 1589. After his death, her brother, Jacob VII, became the ruler.

Jacob was still very young. Because of this, their mother became the regent. A regent is someone who rules for a child until they are old enough.

Becoming Princess

In 1603, Jacob died without having any children. This caused worries that Spain might try to take over Piombino. Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor then became the ruler. He ruled until 1611.

In 1611, the Appiani family invaded Piombino. They removed Rudolf from power. Isabella, who was Jacob's closest living relative, then became the new ruler.

Isabella was the first woman to be called "Princess" of Piombino. Before her, two other women, Paola Colonna and Caterina Appiani, ruled. However, they were called "Lady" of Piombino.

Her full title showed all the lands she ruled. These included Piombino, Populonia, and the islands of Elba, Montecristo, and Pianosa.

Marriages and Children

Isabella first married Giorgio de Mendoza in Genoa. They had a son who died when he was very young. They also had a daughter named Polissena. Polissena later married Niccolò Ludovisi.

Giorgio de Mendoza passed away in 1618. Isabella then married Paolo Giordano II Orsini in Rome in 1622. He was the son of Virginio Orsini, Duke of Bracciano. After their marriage, Paolo asked a famous artist, Simon Vouet, to paint a picture of Isabella.

Losing Piombino

In 1628, the Spanish army invaded Piombino again. This time, they successfully took control of the principality. Isabella and Paolo were forced to leave Piombino.

Later, in 1634, Piombino was given to Isabella's son-in-law, Niccolò.

Later Years

In 1633, Isabella became a grandmother. Her daughter Polissena gave birth to a son named Gregorio Filippo.

Isabella passed away in Rome on November 10, 1661. She was 83 or 84 years old. She lived longer than both her daughter and her grandson.