Women, art, and spirituality

Women, art, and spirituality

By Jeryldene Wood

Book Description

This scholarly exploration unveils the rich spiritual and artistic world of the Poor Clares, Franciscan nuns who created profound works of devotion between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries in Italy. Jeryldene Wood examines how these religious women expressed their faith through commissioned paintings, sculpture, and architectural projects that adorned their convents and supported their contemplative practices.

Drawing from diverse primary sources including Saint Clare's foundational rule, poetry written by the nuns themselves, financial documents, and family histories, this study reveals the intimate connections between spiritual devotion and artistic expression. Wood demonstrates how these women navigated the intersection of religious life and creative output, showing how their aesthetic choices reflected deeper theological and devotional commitments.

The book integrates contemporary insights from anthropology, women's studies, and literary analysis with traditional art historical methods to present a comprehensive view of how spirituality manifested in visual culture. Readers interested in the historical development of women's spiritual communities will discover how the Poor Clares used art as both personal devotional tool and communal expression of faith.

This interdisciplinary approach offers valuable perspectives on how religious women throughout history have channeled their spiritual insights into tangible creative works, providing inspiration for contemporary seekers exploring the relationship between artistic practice and spiritual growth.

Who Is This For?

📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)

📄 Length: 272 pages

What You'll Discover

  • ✓ Explore Art, italian
  • ✓ Explore Monasticism and religious orders for women
  • ✓ Explore Spiritual life
  • ✓ Explore History
  • ✓ Explore Franciscan art
  • ✓ Explore Women in art
  • ✓ Explore Christian art and symbolism
  • ✓ Deepen your spiritual understanding

Topics Covered

Art, italian Monasticism and religious orders for women Spiritual life History Franciscan art Women in art Christian art and symbolism Spirituality Art, renaissance Women Middle Ages, 500-1500 Art and religion Renaissance, italy Poor Clares

Related Books You Might Like

Cover of bone gatherers, The

bone gatherers, The

Nicola Frances Denzey

2007 • 290p

In the shadows of early Christianity, a remarkable group of women emerged whose sacred work has been largely forgotten by history. These were the bone gatherers, devoted women who courageously collected the remains of martyred saints to ensure they r...
Cover of PEROU SOLIDAIRE

PEROU SOLIDAIRE

Francis Devigne

2012 • 350p

In Pérou Solidaire, Francis Devigne unveils the profound spiritual wisdom of Peru's pre-Columbian civilizations and their descendants, revealing a worldview that honors all forms of life through the sacred concept of Earth-Mother. This exploration de...
Cover of God conspiracy, The

God conspiracy, The

Bhagwan Rajneesh

2009 • 215p

In this thought-provoking exploration of consciousness and spiritual freedom, Osho presents a radical approach to finding authentic meaning beyond traditional religious frameworks. Rather than accepting beliefs handed down by others, he advocates for...
Cover of Martyrium

Martyrium

Nicole Hartmann

2013 • 216p

In this scholarly exploration, Nicole Hartmann examines how early Christian communities shaped their identity through the lens of martyrdom during the second century. Drawing from the premise of a highly differentiated Jesus movement, this study offe...
Cover of Way Of Improvement Leads Home Philip Vickers Fithian And The Rural Enlightenment In Early America, The

Way Of Improvement Leads Home Philip Vickers Fithian And The Rural Enlightenment In Early America, The

John Fea

2009 • 280p

In an era when personal transformation seemed both possible and necessary, one young man's journey reveals the timeless tension between ambition and belonging. Philip Vickers Fithian emerged from the grain fields of rural New Jersey with an unshakeab...
Cover of Books and Readers in the Early Church

Books and Readers in the Early Church

Harry Y. Gamble

1995 • 337p

This illuminating exploration reveals how the written word shaped the foundation of Christian faith during its most formative centuries. Harry Y. Gamble takes readers on a captivating journey through the practical realities of how early Christian com...