Isabella De Mari Doria, a Female Investor and Gambler in the Genoese Aristocracy

Iodice, AntonioDe Mari Doria, IsabellaThe eighteenth century saw the emergence of modern economic theories and the economist profession, fields predominantly occupied by men. However, practical life often deviated from the theoretical exclusion of women from economic activities beyond domestic responsibilities. Isabella De Mari Doria (1708–1785), a Genoese aristocrat, exemplifies this trend. As a young widow, she managed her own wealth, directly engaging in financial investments and a broad European money-lending network, as well as participating in gambling activities among the Genoese nobility. Isabella's account books and letters reveal her entrepreneurial environment and business strategies. Unlike many female contemporaries, Isabella embraced high-risk investments, significantly increasing her wealth over the years. Her financial acumen and strategic decisions highlight the sophisticated economic roles women could occupy, challenging the traditional narrative of women's limited participation in pre-modern economic activities. Isabella's success underscores the need to reassess historical assumptions about women's economic roles and contributions in the eighteenth century.