What role did upper-class women typically hold during the Renaissance?

During the Renaissance, upper-class women primarily managed household tasks, which included overseeing the family estate, managing servants, and ensuring the smooth operation of daily life within affluent households. Their responsibilities were significant in maintaining the social and economic stability of their families, and these tasks were crucial to the functioning of society at the time. Upper-class women were often educated in areas related to household management, such as cooking, sewing, and social etiquette, reinforcing their role as key figures within the domestic sphere.

While some women did have limited influence through marriage or supporting their husbands' business dealings, the notion of them as strong business partners or enjoying a position of increasing power is more representative of later periods. Moreover, the majority of upper-class women were not involved in agricultural work, as this was typically the domain of lower-class women and laborers, who played a critical role in farming and production. Thus, the primary focus for upper-class women remained rooted in managing their households effectively.