Women, art, and spirituality
the Poor Clares of early modern Italy
Jeryldene Wood
272 pages | ~8 hrs
Women, art, and spirituality
the Poor Clares of early modern Italy
By Jeryldene Wood
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.
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
Details
- Published
- 1996
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press
- ISBN-10
- 0521496020
- Pages
- 272
- Language
- EN
- LC Classification
- BX4363.I8 W66 1996
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