Christine de Pizan

Christine de Pizan, born Cristina da Pizzano in Venice in September 1364, was an Italian-born French court writer and poet. After moving to Paris in 1368 with her father, an astrologer to King Charles V, she married the royal secretary Etienne du Castel in 1379. Following her husband's death from plague in 1389, she began her literary career to support her family. De Pizan became a prolific writer, producing works in both prose and verse, including novels, poetry, biographies, and political and philosophical analyses. She is widely regarded as one of the earliest feminist writers in Europe, with works like "The Book of the City of Ladies" (1405) and "The Treasure of the City of Ladies" (1405) defending women's intellect and contributions to society. Her writings addressed themes of gender, politics, war, and morality, earning her patronage from several royal dukes. She died around 1430 in Poissy, France.