In today’s recorded lecture, Professor Plesch discussed women in Renaissance art, both as patrons and artists. We began the lecture by looking at some illuminated manuscripts. One that stood out to me was Jean Pucelle’s book of hours, commissioned for Jeanne D’Evrereux. What was so interesting about this particular manuscript was the way in which it was referred to. This was one of the first Books of Hours referred to by the authors name, as it was called the “Hours of Pucelle.” This is notable because it was one of the first times during the Renaissance where the artist was credited in the title of their work.
Another point I found to be interesting was the role that Lavinia Fontana’s self portraits played. They were done to establish herself as a cultured woman, but they also served to help find her a husband. By painting an easel in the back, she can reassure the family of her future husband that she will both be a cultured and dutiful wife, but will also help to contribute to the family’s income through her art.