ABSTRACT
Maria represented the most lasting and parallel of all of Philip II’s female relations, both in terms of chronology (they were born and died within a few years of each other) and in terms of their temperaments and activities. Indirect testimonies of Maria’s upbringing and development reiterated the traditional commonplaces about the health and beauty of the child. The Portuguese female entourage of Isabel of Portugal therefore provided the primary context of sociability for Maria, benefiting from the long family ties and the common Iberian cultural framework shared with the Portuguese dynasty of Avis. The most crucial issue was obviously that of the education which Philip and Maria should receive in preparation for the duties that awaited them in adult life. Growing into a culturally distinct household with strong Portuguese traits, Maria learnt to live at court keeping female autonomy and national traditions.
