Violante Beatrice, in collaboration with the Electress Anna Maria Luisa, attempted to withdraw Gian Gastone from the Ruspanti, his salacious entourage, by arranging banquets and public appearances. ĭuring Grand Duke Gian Gastone's rule, the Governor was responsible for formal court audiences. As Governor, she formally defined the boundaries, names and number of Sienese Contrade - akin to administrative divisions - in 1729.
Upon the return of the Electress Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici, daughter of the then reigning, Cosimo III, thus Violante Beatrice's sister-in-law, the Dowager Grand Princess contemplated retiring to her brother's court at Munich however, Gian Gastone convinced her to stay, and Cosimo III appointed her Governor of Siena, where she then resided.
Grand Prince Ferdinando died from syphilis in 1713, leaving his childless widow without purpose at the Tuscan court. Her brother-in-law, Prince Gian Gastone, befriended her out of sympathy, a friendship that lasted until Violante Beatrice's demise. Violante Beatrice loved him but Ferdinando did not return her affection, declaring her too ugly and too dull. Born a Duchess of Bavaria, the youngest child of Elector Ferdinand Maria, she married the heir to the Tuscan throne, Ferdinando de' Medici, in 1689. Violante Beatrice of Bavaria (Violante Beatrix 23 January 1673 – ) was Grand Princess of Tuscany as the wife of Grand Prince Ferdinando of Tuscany and Governor of Siena from 1717 until her death. Convent of Saint Teresa, Florence, Tuscany