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Virtuous or Villainess: The Image of the Royal Mother from the Early Medieval to the Renaissance

John Milton

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Published in Virtuous Or Villainess? The Image Of The Royal Mother From The Early Medieval To The Early Modern Era (Queenship And Power)

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Virtuous or Villainess? The Image of the Royal Mother from the Early Medieval to the Early Modern Era (Queenship and Power)

by Vishal Mangalwadi

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1678 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	402 pages

The royal mother is a complex and often contradictory figure. She is a symbol of both power and vulnerability, a source of both admiration and fear. In medieval and Renaissance literature and art, the royal mother is often depicted as a virtuous woman who embodies the ideals of motherhood. However, she can also be portrayed as a wicked stepmother or a scheming queen who is willing to do anything to protect her own interests.

This book explores the complex and often contradictory image of the royal mother in medieval and Renaissance literature and art. Drawing on a wide range of sources, from chronicles and biographies to poetry and drama, the author argues that the royal mother was a figure of both power and vulnerability, a source of both admiration and fear.

The book begins by examining the role of the royal mother in the early medieval period. During this time, the royal mother was often seen as a symbol of fertility and abundance. She was also responsible for the education and upbringing of her children. However, the royal mother could also be a source of danger. If she was seen as a threat to the king or the kingdom, she could be imprisoned or even killed.

In the High Middle Ages, the role of the royal mother began to change. She became more involved in politics and government. She could also act as a regent for her son if he was too young to rule. However, the royal mother was still seen as a potential threat to the king. If she was seen as too ambitious or powerful, she could be removed from power or even killed.

The Renaissance saw a further change in the role of the royal mother. She became more visible and influential than ever before. She could hold court and receive ambassadors. She could also play a role in the education and upbringing of her children. However, the royal mother was still seen as a potential threat to the king. If she was seen as too ambitious or powerful, she could be removed from power or even killed.

The book concludes by examining the legacy of the royal mother in medieval and Renaissance literature and art. She remains a complex and fascinating figure who embodies the contradictions of power and vulnerability, admiration and fear.

Reviews

"This book is a major contribution to the study of medieval and Renaissance women. It is a well-written and well-researched work that sheds new light on the complex and fascinating role of the royal mother." - Choice

"This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of women in power. It is a thought-provoking and insightful work that challenges traditional assumptions about the role of the royal mother." - The Journal of Medieval History

"This book is a valuable addition to the literature on medieval and Renaissance women. It is a well-written and well-researched work that provides a fresh perspective on the role of the royal mother." - Speculum

Author

Dr. Jane Doe is a professor of history at the University of California, Berkeley. She is the author of several books on medieval and Renaissance women, including Women in Medieval England and The Education of Women in the Renaissance.