Ruling Sexuality: The Political Legitimacy of Isabel of Castile

This article examines the gendered construction of power during the reign of Isabel of Castile (1474-1504). The construction of her political legitimacy was based on her manipulation of her gender and sexuality intended to contrast with the perceived shortcomings of her brother, Enrique IV. Enrique&...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Renaissance quarterly 2000-03, Vol.53 (1), p.31-56
Main Author: Lehfeldt, Elizabeth A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
15th century AD
Behavior
Chastity
Christianity
de Villena, Isabel
Gender
Isabella I, Queen of Spain (1451-1504)
Misogyny
Monarchy
Muslims
Nuns
Peninsulas
Political campaigns
Political legitimacy
Politics
Queens
Renaissance period
Rhetorical figures
Royalty
Sex role
Sex roles
Sexuality
Social aspects
Thrones
Women
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Summary:This article examines the gendered construction of power during the reign of Isabel of Castile (1474-1504). The construction of her political legitimacy was based on her manipulation of her gender and sexuality intended to contrast with the perceived shortcomings of her brother, Enrique IV. Enrique's critics had impugned his sexuality and attacked his inability to deliver Spain into a golden age. By aligning Isabel with sexually chaste models and emphasizing her ability to redeem Spain both because of and despite her gender, Isabel's partisans crafted an image that allowed her to transcend the misogynist tropes that attacked female rule.
ISSN:0034-4338
1935-0236
DOI:10.2307/2901532