Isabella d'Este

Isabella d'Este, born into the Este dynasty, was a force to be reckoned with in Renaissance Italy. Ruling Mantua alongside and sometimes in place of her husband, Francesco II Gonzaga, she proved that behind every great man is often an even greater woman, or at least one with a better eye for art and a sharper political mind.

Known as the "First Lady of the Renaissance," Isabella didn't just collect art; she commissioned it from the era's biggest names, including Leonardo da Vinci and Titian. Her vast collection and intellectual salons made Mantua a cultural hotspot, proving that good taste is truly timeless, and a well-curated living room can be just as influential as any army.

While her lineage was impeccably gentile, her shrewd political maneuvering, cultural impact, and ability to keep multiple famous artists on retainer certainly suggest a certain kvell-worthiness, albeit one born from Florentine florins rather than ancient Hebrew texts. She ran a tight ship, managed a court, and dressed impeccably, which is more than some people can say for their own lives.