Maria Barbara of Braganza
From Freepedia
Barbara of Braganza, Princess of Portugal and Queen of Spain (1711-1758). She was the eldest daughter of King John V of Portugal and his wife, Mary Anne Josepha of Austria.
Her parents were married in 1708, but for nearly three years the queen did not give birth to any children. So, John made a promise to God - if an heir to the throne was born, he would made a great convent to thank Him. Finally, on December 4, 1711, Mary Anne gave birth to a girl. She was born as heiress-presumptive to the Portuguese throne, but her status as heir lapsed when the Queen gave birth to a son, Peter, two years later. Peter died at the age of two, but another son Joseph had been born before the former's death. Though Barbara was never heiress-presumptive again, she was second in line to the throne throughout much of her life.
The Princess was baptized Mary Madeleine Josepha Theresa Barbara of Braganza, but she was usually known as Princess Barbara. She had a fine education and she mostly loved music. She was a student and patron of Domenico Scarlatti, the famous harpsichordist and composer.
In 1729, she married the future Ferdinand VI of Spain, and her brother Joseph married a Spanish princess, Marianne Victoria of Borbón (Ferdinand's sister). Scarlatti followed her to Madrid on her marriage, and remained with her, composing hundreds of harpsichord sonatas for her.
Although Barbara was not exactly beautiful, her husband loved her very much and she had great influence on him. They had no children.
Barbara died in Arajnuez, Spain, on 27 August 1758.
