ISABELLA II

QUEEN ISABELLA II OF SPAIN

Uncover the fascinating and turbulent legacy of Queen Isabella II of Spain with a museum-quality collection of rare, signed and autographed documents, royal decrees, personal letters, and diplomatic correspondences that tell the story of a queen who ruled during a period of profound political and social upheaval. Queen Isabella II reigned from 1833 to 1868, ascending the throne as a child following the death of her father, Ferdinand VII, and becoming a symbol of Spain’s evolving struggle between monarchy and liberalism. This unique archive offers historians, collectors, and enthusiasts an intimate look at Isabella’s reign, from her efforts to navigate the challenges of a divided nation to her eventual exile. Each artifact, many bearing her autograph, reveals a monarch striving to balance tradition with the demands of a rapidly changing society.

Isabella II’s rule was marked by political instability, military uprisings, and shifting alliances as Spain grappled with civil wars and the ideological divide between conservatives and liberals. Her controversial policies and reliance on advisors often sparked dissatisfaction among her subjects, leading to the Carlist Wars and frequent shifts in government. Despite her best efforts, increasing opposition culminated in the Glorious Revolution of 1868, which led to her abdication and exile to France. This collection captures the essence of Isabella’s complex reign—a period defined by her resilience, her challenges in a male-dominated court, and her attempts to maintain the monarchy amid constant upheaval. For those interested in Spanish history, the role of women in monarchy, and the conflicts between tradition and reform, this archive provides a rare glimpse into the life and reign of Queen Isabella II, a queen whose legacy reflects both the struggles and transformations of 19th-century Spain.