Princess Maria Anna of Savoy was born on September 17, 1687, in Turin, Italy. She was a member of the House of Savoy, a prominent royal family in Europe. Maria Anna was the daughter of Victor Amadeus II of Savoy and Anne Marie d'Orléans. In 1708, she married Joseph I, Holy Roman Emperor, strengthening the ties between the Savoy dynasty and the Habsburgs. Maria Anna became Empress consort and was known for her charitable works and support of the arts. She passed away on May 14, 1735, leaving a legacy of cultural influence.