As we mark a century since the passing of Princess Imperial Isabel of Brazil, it is essential to reflect on the significant impact she had on the country's history. Born into the Brazilian imperial family, Princess Isabel was destined for greatness, and her life was marked by numerous milestones that shaped the nation's trajectory.
Princess Isabel's life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to her country. She took the oath to become Regent of Brazil in 1870, a pivotal moment in the country's history, and her marriage to Prince Gaston d'Orléans, Count d'Eu, further solidified her position as a prominent figure in Brazilian society. Her legacy extends beyond her regency and family life, as she is remembered for her role in the abolition of slavery in Brazil, a landmark achievement that continues to influence the country's social and political landscape today1.
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| The Brazilian imperial sarcophagi (from left to right): Princess Imperial Isabel, Emperor Pedro II, Empress Teresa Cristina and Prince Gaston at the Catedral de São Pedro de Alcântara. Photo (c) Seth B. Leonard. |
One hundred years ago, on 14 November 1921, Princess Imperial Isabel of Brazil, Countess d'Eu, died at the Chateau d'Eu in France at the age of seventy-five years-old. The princess was initially buried at Dreux. In 1953, the earthly remains of the princess and her husband Prince Gaston were repatriated to Brazil, and in 1971 they were both buried at the Cathedral of Petrópolis.
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| A portrait of Princess Isabel at the Imperial Museum of Brazil in Petrópolis. Photo (c) Seth B. Leonard. |
Born on 29 July 1846 at the Palácio Imperial de São Cristóvão in Rio de Janeiro, Princess Isabel Cristina Leopoldina Augusta Micaela Gabriela Rafaela Gonzaga of Brazil was the second child and first daughter of Emperor Pedro II of Brazil (1825-1891) and Empress Teresa Cristina (1822-1889; born Princess of the Two Sicilies). Isabel had three siblings: Prince Afonso (1845-1847), Princess Leopoldina (1847-1871; married Prince August of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha), and Prince Pedro (1848-1850). Following the premature deaths of both of her two brothers, Isabel became the heiress to her father the Emperor.
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| The home of Princess Isabel in Petrópolis. Photo (c) Seth B. Leonard. |
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| The residence of Princess Isabel and her husband Prince Gaston. Above the door is the couple's intertwined initials. Photo (c) Seth B. Leonard. |
On 1 October 1864, Princess Imperial Isabel of Brazil married Prince Gaston d'Orléans (1842-1922), Count d'Eu, at Rio de Janeiro. The couple had four children: Princess LuÃsa Vitória (born stillborn in 1874), Prince Pedro de Alcântara (1875-1940; married Countess Elisabeth Dobrzensky von Dobrzenicz), Prince LuÃz (1878-1920; married Princess Maria Pia of Bourbon-Two Sicilies), and Prince Antônio (1881-1918).
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| A painting of the Princess Imperial taking the oath to become Regent of Brazil in 1870. Photo (c) Seth B. Leonard. |
Due to Emperor Pedro's bouts of ill health, the Princess Imperial was called to act as Regent of the Brazilian Empire several times. It was during her last regency that Isabel signed the Golden Law in 1888, which completely abolished slavery in Brazil. Due to her act, Isabel became known as "The Redemptress" and she received the Golden Rose from Pope Leo XIII. Another side effect of the princess taking this step was to hasten the downfall of the Empire of Brazil, as conservative factions were not pleased by the abolition of slavery. In 1889, Isabel's father Pedro II was deposed in a coup by the military, which led to the establishment of the Republic of Brazil. As a result of this, the Emperor and Empress as well as Princess Isabel and Prince Gaston together with their children were compelled to leave the country for Europe. Empress Teresa Cristina died within months of leaving Brazil, and Emperor Pedro II died two months after leaving his beloved people.
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| The statue of Princess Isabel the Redemptress in Rio de Janeiro. Photo (c) Seth B. Leonard. |
During exile, the Princess Imperial and the Count of Eu settled in France. In 1920, the Brazilian Republic repealed the law banishing the members of the imperial family from the country. Isabel was already too ill to even contemplate a return to Brazil. Fortunately, as written above, the remains of the princess now rest in the nation to which she devoted her life.
As we conclude our reflection on the life and legacy of Princess Imperial Isabel of Brazil, it is clear that her impact on the country's history is a testament to her unwavering dedication to her nation. From her oath to become Regent of Brazil in 1870 to her role in the abolition of slavery, Princess Isabel's life was marked by numerous milestones that continue to shape the country's trajectory. Her marriage to Prince Gaston d'Orléans, Count d'Eu, further solidified her position as a prominent figure in Brazilian society, and her four children, including Princess LuÃsa Vitória, Prince Pedro de Alcântara, Prince LuÃz, and Prince Antônio, carried on her legacy. The couple's intertwined initials above the door of their residence serve as a poignant reminder of their enduring bond.
As we look back on the life of Princess Isabel, it is essential to acknowledge the significant impact she had on the country's social and political landscape. Her legacy extends beyond her regency and family life, as she is remembered for her role in the abolition of slavery in Brazil, a landmark achievement that continues to influence the country's social and political landscape today. The statue of Princess Isabel the Redemptress in Rio de Janeiro stands as a powerful symbol of her enduring influence, and the Brazilian imperial sarcophagi, which include Princess Isabel, Emperor Pedro II, Empress Teresa Cristina, and Prince Gaston, serve as a poignant reminder of the family's enduring legacy. As we mark a century since her passing, it is clear that Princess Isabel's impact on Brazil will continue to be felt for generations to come, and her legacy will remain a powerful reminder of the importance of dedication and perseverance in shaping the course of history.
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