"Ape", illumination from the manuscript "Grandes chroniques de France", ms. 05 (B. 244), c. 377v, ca. 1460, Bibliothèque Municipale, Châteauroux.

Wednesay after Wednesday, we have surely had our fair share of women renowed for their unique beauty. Isn't it time to lower our expectations? Our guest for this week's Women's Wednesday is Dripetrua (or Drypetina)…

Illumination from a Book of Hours, use of Paris, ms. Beinecke MS 662, f. 21r, between 1450 and 1475, Beinecke Library, Yale University.

Is it possible to forgive someone for cheating on you? Many would probably say that it is impossible, or unfair even, but our dearest Boccaccio seems to feel differently about that. The story of Aemilia…

Capital "I", illumination from the manuscript "Epistolarium et Evangeliarium ad usum capellae regiae Versaliensis", ms. Latin 8896, f. 33r, 1767-1776, Département des manuscrits, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris.

If there is something we have understood about Boccaccio and his view of women by reading his De Mulieribus Claris, it is his love-hate towards strong, vindictive women! Our weekly story is that of Chiomara,…

"Creation of the Fish", illumination from the "Book of hours by the Master of Charles VIII", Cod. 110, f. 13v, ca. 1495-98, private collection, e-codices.

Are your relatives nice to you? We know it is not always the case, but if you get to know Berenice’s story you will probably think you are lucky! This week, let us welcome the…

Illumination from a French Book of Hours, ms. Ms-434 réserve, f. 53r, 15th century, Bibliothèque de l'Arsenal, Paris.

Fancy a cup? You are in good luck! The guest of our weekly Women's Wednesday is Theoxena: a loving mother, aunt, and fan of a good cup of... poison. Theoxena was the daughter of a…