Another Wednesday, another story! This week we are asking you a difficult question: what would you be willing to do in order to maintain your freedom? In his De Mulieribus Claris, Boccaccio often praises the…

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

As we approach the last third of the De Mulieribus Claris, Boccaccio decides to report to us a prime example of solidarity that, unbeknownst even to him, would eventually forerun the institution of the Red…

Feeling lonely on this Valentine's Day? If you feel like a future as an old crazy cat lady (or gentleman!) is drawing nearer, don't worry: you surely are in good company - as our medieval…

Here we are again for our weekly appointment with illustrious women! This week our protagonist is the Sicilian Harmonia, praised by Boccaccio for her strength of mind and her compassion. Daughter of Gelone, who was…

Illumination from the"Breviary of Queen Isabella of Castile", ms. Add MS 18851, f. 102v, circa 1497, British Library, London.

Over the course of our Women's Wednesday column, we have previously mentioned the importance of chastity for Roman matrons, even within married couples. On this note, our protagonist today was considered to be the chastest of all Roman women:…

Illumination from the"Breviary of Queen Isabella of Castile", ms. Add MS 18851, f. 431r, circa 1497, British Library, London.

Welcome back to our weekly column! On the occasion of our Women's Wednesday, we will tell you the story of Varro's daughter, Marcia, a talented Roman artist. Marcia was known and glorified for her unequaled ability to…

Illumination from the"Breviary of Queen Isabella of Castile", ms. Add MS 18851, f. 30r, circa 1497, British Library, London.