Abstract
The Book of the Queen (Harley 4431) is one of the most exquisite and fascinating manuscripts of late medieval France. Compiled for Queen Isabeau of Bavaria between 1411 and 1415 by Christine de Pizan and her small workshop, the codex is one of the largest and most illuminated of Christine’s works. While the literature on the poems of the book is vast, the miniatures have received significantly less attention. I endeavor to contribute to the literature on Christine de Pizan’s illuminations, as they serve as important amplifications of her allegories. Therefore, it is necessary to examine her miniatures in order to understand her meaning. Through the analysis of the pictorial cycles in the Book of the Queen, with emphasis on the frontispiece and other presentation scenes, I argue that these illuminations are visual evidences of Christine’s participation in radical systems of patronage and a display of her authorial-auctoritas.
Advisor
Cosgriff, Tracy
Department
Art and Art History
Recommended Citation
Woodruff, Adria Leigh, "Inventing Christine de Pizan: Art and Authorship in Late Medieval France" (2020). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 9067.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/9067
Disciplines
Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Art and Architecture | Medieval Studies
Keywords
Christine de Pizan, Book of the Queen, illumination, frontispiece, authorship, late medieval France, patronage
Publication Date
2020
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis Exemplar
Included in
Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Art and Architecture Commons, Medieval Studies Commons
© Copyright 2020 Adria Leigh Woodruff