'Courtly women as hunters in the later Middle Ages and Renaissance'
* The medieval hunting manuals and treatises were written by educated male authors for the instruction of courtiers and gentlemen in the correct language, methodology, rituals and procedures of aristocratic hunting
* Gender exclusivity. Contemporary narratives and romances reinforce this male belief and until very recently the presence of women in the 'theatre' of hunting was also largely ignored by modern medieval and social historians
* Using Art History. Previously unexplored and newly interpreted images reveal that many courtly women were involved in the hunting field in a variety of active and passive roles. Some noblewomen were hunting deer and other quarry on horseback aided by hounds, some were shooting deer from cover and stands, whilst others were displaying themselves and flirting at the start, during intervals and at the finale of the day's sport.
* Noblewomen are often depicted in hunting illustrations alongside men, usually as their companions but sometimes as learners. They are also portrayed hunting and hawking alone or with female attendants and companions.
This beautifully illustrated talk presents some of the iconographic evidence which shows courtly women hunting and hawking, demonstrating not only female participation in an activity regarded hitherto as male but also a better understanding of noble women's lives within the medieval community.
* Gender exclusivity. Contemporary narratives and romances reinforce this male belief and until very recently the presence of women in the 'theatre' of hunting was also largely ignored by modern medieval and social historians
* Using Art History. Previously unexplored and newly interpreted images reveal that many courtly women were involved in the hunting field in a variety of active and passive roles. Some noblewomen were hunting deer and other quarry on horseback aided by hounds, some were shooting deer from cover and stands, whilst others were displaying themselves and flirting at the start, during intervals and at the finale of the day's sport.
* Noblewomen are often depicted in hunting illustrations alongside men, usually as their companions but sometimes as learners. They are also portrayed hunting and hawking alone or with female attendants and companions.
This beautifully illustrated talk presents some of the iconographic evidence which shows courtly women hunting and hawking, demonstrating not only female participation in an activity regarded hitherto as male but also a better understanding of noble women's lives within the medieval community.
