Empress Maria Leopoldina was born on January 22, 1797, in Vienna, Austria. She was the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Francis II and Empress Maria Theresa. In 1817, she married Dom Pedro I, the future Emperor of Brazil, and became the first Empress of Brazil when he declared independence from Portugal in 1822. Maria Leopoldina played a significant role in the early years of the Brazilian Empire. She was known for her intelligence and interest in natural sciences, contributing to the establishment of the National Museum of Brazil. She passed away on December 11, 1826, leaving a lasting legacy in Brazilian history.