| There
is an entire medium in Renaissance art that is practically unheard of
and unexamined. This is objects for childbirth; wooden trays,
pottery scodellas, pottery ongarescas, and pottery taglieres. They
are richly decorated, often with realistic bedroom scenes, filled with
women, where a successful birth has just been completed. The
author introduces us to these (with many color plates), as well as
describing the written evidence for many customs and
superstitions. This is a very important book for anyone trying to
grasp the reality of most women's lives in an age when childbirth was
incredibly risky. The pictures will also interest costumers and
those interested in Renaissance interior decor, as there are unusual portrayals
of both.
(hardcover)
$50.00 |
