 |
| Philosophy and the Seven Liberal Arts |
Hortus Deliciarum is considered to be possibly the first encyclopedia that was composed both by a woman, and specifically for women. It was compiled and edited by Herrad of Landsberg who was appointed to the position of abbess of Hohenburg in 1167 C.E. Hohenburg was a powerful abbey in France with a reputation for educational excellence. Hortus Deliciarum was intended as something of a combination devotional, textbook, and hymnal for the women in Herrad's care.
Overall it is recognized as significant not for any particular originality, but for the impressive range of subjects it covers and sources it draws on—including Arab and classical writings—as well as its imaginative illuminations. Through it we are able to gain fascinating insight into the state of 12th century French education in general, and religious and women's education in particular.
This beautiful illuminated book seems to have been begun around the time its compiler was appointed, and finished by 1185. It contains poetry, hymns, history, stories from scripture, science, theology, and philosophy. The book is graced by 136 full-page illuminations, in addition to hundreds of other marginalia illuminations scattered throughout. It was the work of various different scribes and artists, including the abbess. Seven of the poems found in the Deliciarum were written by Herrad herself—and the surviving songs represent some of the earliest examples of polyphonic musical notation to originate from a nunnery.
Overall it is recognized as significant not for any particular originality, but for the impressive range of subjects it covers and sources it draws on—including Arab and classical writings—as well as its imaginative illuminations. Through it we are able to gain fascinating insight into the state of 12th century French education in general, and religious and women's education in particular.
 |
| Woman of the Apocalypse |
Sadly, the original manuscript no longer exists, and we only have access to the Hortus Deliciarum through copies and miniatures that were made in the early 1800’s—mere decades before the Deliciarum was destroyed during the burning of the Library of Strasburg in 1870.
Works Cited
Landsberg. “Hortus Deliciarum - Philosophy and the Seven Liberal Arts.” Trivium Art History, https://arthistoryproject.com/artists/herrad-of-landsberg/hortus-deliciarum-philosophy-and-the-seven-liberal-arts/.
“Herrad of Landsberg.” Trivium Art History, https://arthistoryproject.com/artists/herrad-of-landsberg/.
This was a very interesting a artifact. I like how this helps to address the topic on wether women were trying to become more independent and express themselves, rather than hiding in the shadow of their families/men. I just think it's neat and should be further looked into.
ReplyDeleteA favorite text of mine--! But the images are not as good as they likely were bc they are just modern copies.
ReplyDeleteWomen inventions and artistic works from the middle ages are practily unheard of. Seeing one being highlighted is very cool and makes me wonder what else could have been made by women during this time.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see how women contributed in the Middle Ages and what exactly they make. I really like the "Woman of the Apocalypse" Image and I bet a lot of hard work went into all the illuminations shown in the book.
ReplyDeleteAn artifact from a woman is refreshing! It is interesting that the text was destroyed in the burning of the library, but it was so influential that is was remade. Beautiful artifact!
ReplyDelete