Marie Louise of Austria was born on December 12, 1791, and was the daughter of Emperor Francis II of Austria. She became the Duchess of Parma after marrying Napoleon Bonaparte in 1810, serving as a political alliance between France and Austria. After Napoleon's fall from power in 1814, Marie Louise returned to Austria and later ruled as the Duchess of Parma until her death on December 17, 1847. She is remembered for her role in European politics during a tumultuous period and for her contributions to the cultural life of Parma.