Wild Women: Princess of Eboli

Ana de Mendoza y de la Cerda, b. 1540.

In stumbling around the net looking for my German opera singer (who I'm not convinced exists) I was struck by the stunning portraits of Ana de Mendoza, aka the Princess of Eboli.  The princess lost her eye to a sword tip (I'm sure a "I told you you'd poke your eye out!" was quick to follow) and is painted with her iconic patch throughout the sixteenth century.

I'm amazed by her history, yet also by her following.  She's featured in plays, operas, and novels.  Recently Julia Ormond portrayed her in the film La Conjura de El Escorial and by another actress in a made for TV movie La Princesa de Eboli.

I love this picture of a doll...reminds me of my mom's teddy bear.  Maybe not so huggable.


I'm also not sure how to cite it, but this miniature bust of the Princess by El Greco Miniatures as viewed on Wamp forum.

PS- six months of shopping days left till my birthday...give me these!

Earrings featuring the Princess of Eboli.

References:
http://www.sightseeing-madrid.com/princess-of-eboli.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ana_de_Mendoza_y_de_la_Cerda
Doll photo http://www.flickr.com/photos/gesrules/4806098337/
Earrings photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/laboiteamonstres/3689195853/