The Representation of Queenship in medieval French Art, the twelfth to fifteenth centuries: From Secular Queens to the Queen of Heaven

Stephanie Curtin
Trinity College Dublin
Department of History of Art and Architecture
2002
BA

Subject: Painting
Country: France
Period: 12th- 15th Century

10,000 words

This study of medieval French art focuses on the representation of queenship, both secular and heavenly. The iconography of the secular queen in French medieval art is considered in relation to the position of the queen in French medieval society while comparing the historical sources to the visual evidence. Contemporary sources are examined as a discussion of the ideals associated with queenship. The relationship between the representation of secular and heavenly queens is analysed in the discussion of the attachment of queenly virtues and symbols to the Virgin Mary. Chapter 3, The Queen of Heaven, discusses the development of the cult of the Virgin and representations of the Assumption and Coronation of the Virgin in French medieval art. A range of both sculpture, manuscript illumination is discussed along with some stained glass examples.

Irish Georgian Society

Education Theses Register

The Representation of Queenship in medieval French Art, the twelfth to fifteenth centuries: From Secular Queens to the Queen of Heaven