The Power and Influence of Catherine De Medici

Is powerful woman behind the scenes, Catherine De Medici a power hungry ruler using her children as pawns in creating an Italian, French dynasty or loving mother who only wants her children to succeed in the world? Read on to see how we talk about her many characteristics and ways of ruling the dynasty and her offspring.

Throughout time, many women have tried to put a mark on this world, but many have failed. Catherine de Medici is one of the few that made an immense impact on society and who eventually became Queen of France.

Starting with a little bit about Catherine she came from a noble family in Florence Italy. Her parents were Lorenzo and Madeleine. Both of her parents died right after her birth, leaving her with all the possessions to the Medici family. In 1527, when Catherine was 8, the Medici palace was attacked by an angry mob. Everyone left her behind, making her hostage and after she was taken hostage she was placed in different convents around the city and received an education there. After the Florentine rebellion was finally over, she was sent to Rome to stay with Guilio d’Medici where her marriage arrangement where made. She was described as, “ small and slender, with fair hair, thin and not pretty in face, but with the eyes peculiar to all the Medici” ( Young 393 )

Catherine de Medici married future King Henry ll of France in 1533 at fifteen years old. In her marriage to Henry she she traveled and saw much of France. Catherine didn’t have many friends in France and was not looked highly on by the French people, especially the nobles, who called her the “ Italian women.”. In 1547 King Francis died, leaving Henry of Orleans as the heir to the French Throne. This cause a lot of ruckus throughout France, they di...

... middle of paper ...

...er younger sons, she also made a significant mark on the French Renaissance. She was inspired by her father-in-law, who had hosted the leading artist of Europe during his time. Catherine was very busy but still set out to make francis’s politics of magnificence. Although Catherine spent a lot of her time on the arts, the majority of her patronage had no lasting effect. The end of the valois dynasty shortly after her death brought a change in priorities. All her hard work was either sold or destroyed. Except todays ballets and operas are related to Catherine’s court productions.

As you can see Catherine de Medici defiantly made an impact on the world as the most powerful woman. She not only raised and help rule the country of her three sons, but also faced many difficult events, rumors, and decisions along the way. We will always remember her as Catherine the Great.