Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index

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Record Number: 3095 Author(s)/Creator(s): Powell , Morgan Contributor(s): Title: The Speculum virginum and the Audio-Visual Poetics of Women's Religious Instruction Source: Listen, Daughter: The "Speculum virginum" and the Formation of Religious Women in the Middle Ages.  Edited by Constant J. Mews.  The New Middle Ages Series. Palgrave, 2001.  Pages 59 - 83. Description: Article Type: Essay Subject (See Also): Audio Visual Materials Education Handbooks Illumination of Manuscripts Imagery Pastoral Care- Nuns Readers Speculum Virginum, Latin handbook for Nuns Women in Religion Award Note: Geographic Area: Germany Century: 12 Primary Evidence: Illustrations: Three figures. Figure One Manuscript illumination of the Tree of Jesse, beginning of "Speculum virginum" 1 (London, British Library, Arundel 44, fol. 2v). Figure Two Manuscript illumination of the Tree of Vices, beginning of "Speculum virginum" 4 (London, British Library, Arundel 44, fol. 28v). Figure Three Manuscript illumination of the Tree of Virtues, beginning of "Speculum virginum" 4 (London, British Library, Arundel 44, fol. 29r). Table: Abstract: This chapter considers the role of auditory and visual images in the "Speculum." It argues that the treatise was composed to be delivered aloud by a male preacher addressing a community of female religious, either individually or in groups. The illustrations in the treatise, far from being appendages, are integral to its use and conception and provide the basis for a sophisticated aesthetic argument that relies on simultaneous consideration of spoken word and image. The original beginning of the "Speculum virginum" can be seen in the opening of part three of the "Speculum virginum," a free elaboration of Psalm 44. 11-12 (" Listen, daughter, and see"). The commentary on these verses highlights the importance of auditory and visual means of communication. This pedagogically innovative treatise offered a new way by which spiritual directors could present traditional teaching, providing women with alternative access to and participation in the revelation of religious truth. [Reproduced by permission of Palgrave]. Related Resources: Author's Affiliation: Franklin College, Switzerland Conference Info: - , - Year of Publication: 2001. Language: English ISSN/ISBN: 0312240082

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