Teresa Cristina of the Two Sicilies

Biography

Dona Teresa Cristina (14 March 1822 – 28 December 1889), popularly known as “the Mother of the Brazilians”, was Empress of Brazil as the wife of Emperor Dom Pedro II, a position she held from her marriage in 1843 until the abolition of the monarchy in 1889. Born a princess of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, in present-day southern Italy, she was the daughter of King Francis I of the Italian branch of the House of Bourbon and his wife, Maria Isabella of Spain. Long portrayed by historians as timid and politically passive, modern scholarship has reassessed Teresa Cristina as a more complex figure, recognizing her intellectual curiosity, cultural patronage, and a quiet but consistent assertion of personal independence within the constraints of 19th-century court life.

The Princess was married by proxy to Pedro II in 1843. Her spouse's expectations had been raised when a portrait was presented that depicted Teresa Cristina as an idealized beauty, but he was displeased by his bride's appearance upon their first meeting later that year. Despite a cold beginning on the part of Pedro, the couple's relationship improved as time passed, due primarily to Teresa Cristina's patience, kindness and generosity. These traits also helped her win the hearts of the Brazilian people, and her distance from political controversies shielded her from criticism. She also sponsored archaeological studies in Italy and Italian immigration to Brazil.

The marriage between Teresa Cristina and Pedro II never became passionately romantic, although a bond based upon family, mutual respect and fondness did develop. The Empress was a dutiful spouse and unfailingly supported the Emperor's positions and never interposed with her own views in public. She remained silent on the topic of his suspected extra-marital relationships—including a liaison with her daughters' governess. In turn, she was treated with unfailing respect and her position at court and home was always secure. Of the imperial couple's four children, two boys died in infancy and a daughter died of typhoid fever at the age of 24.

The imperial family was sent into exile after a coup d'état in 1889. Being cast from her beloved adopted land had a devastating effect on Teresa Cristina's spirit and health. Grieving and ill, she died of respiratory failure leading to cardiac arrest a month after the monarchy's collapse. She was greatly loved by her subjects, both during her lifetime and afterwards. She was even respected by the republicans who overthrew the Empire. Despite having had no direct impact on Brazil's political history, Teresa Cristina is well regarded by historians not only for her character and irreproachable behavior, but also for her sponsorship of Brazilian culture.