ABSTRACT
The rites of transition between two monarchs combined the mourning for the deceased with the hopes raised by the ascent of the new sovereign. The widowed mothers of sovereigns were often faced with a certain ambiguity regarding their relationship of obedience/authority vis-a-vis their young sons who had suddenly become rulers. In January 1578, after having settled into the imperial court of Vienna, Juan de Borja visited Prague. Maria’s most notable achievement in this confessional context was the foundation of the Corpus Christi Brotherhood in 1580, a space of courtly sociability outside Rudolf II’s control, in which Maria’s entourage enjoyed great influence. An underlying obstacle to the Dutch negotiations was Matthias’ presence on the side of the rebels. The role of the dowager empress found Maria depressed, tired, and increasingly detached from the future of her children.
