Renaissance Studies Commons^™

Aguaaaa!!!, Cory Villegas

Theses and Dissertations

“AGUA” is a call for new models of learning and sharing, celebrating the diasporic as a place of global revolution. Salsa, rooted in Latin American and Afro-Caribbean histories, is choreographer Cory Villegas’s expression of cultural legacy. As an Afro-diasporic dance, Salsa carries the wealth and variety of African and Indigenous roots. Villegas contextualizes her thesis event “Las Leyendas: An Afro Cuban Suite,” presenting herself and her troupe Soul Dance Co. as evidence that contradicts the erasure of Latin & Caribbean Culture in US dance history. The paper uses English and Spanish, written, visual, and oral materials with an accompanying webpage.

Fra Angelico In San Marco: A Comparison Of Fra Angelico’S Frescoes And Altarpieces During His Time In San Marco, Isaac Copeland

Tenor of Our Times

Fra Angelico stood at the crossroads of two major art movements in the early 15th century, the old International Gothic style, and the new Renaissance style. During his stay at San Marco between 1436, when the monastery moved to Florence, and 1445, when Fra Angelico was summoned to Rome, his work reflected elements of both the International Gothic style and the Renaissance style. However, in his works at San Marco, his panel paintings were more conservative, painted with more Gothic conventions than his frescos, which exhibited elements of the rising Renaissance.

A City Of Global Ambition: Duke Cosimo I De’ Medici’S Florence And The Americas, Jillian Hauer

Capstone Showcase

The Age of Conquest marked a turning point in global history, facilitating cross-cultural exchanges between the Eastern and Western hemispheres and paving the way for colonial expansion. Despite Italy's lack of direct involvement in the exploration of the Americas, various city-states eagerly sought to acquire objects and knowledge from the recently exploited lands. This essay focuses on Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici and his efforts to portray Florence as a global center through the collecting, commissioning, and cultivating of objects from and related to the Americas. I investigate mirabilia (objects that evoked wonder or astonishment) associated with the Medici collection, …

Faithful Partner: The Role And Agency Of Pastors' Wives In The Protestant Reformation, Elizabeth M. Dubendorfer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This thesis explores the critical yet often overlooked roles of pastors' wives during the Protestant Reformation, focusing on three key figures: Katharina von Bora, Katharina Schütz Zell, and Elisabeth Cruciger. It examines how these women navigated the complexities of Reformation-era Germany, blending traditional gender roles with new practices that emerged from their unique positions as clerical spouses. By investigating their personal histories, theological contributions, and community engagements, the thesis demonstrates that these pioneering women established a distinct archetype for pastors' wives. This archetype was characterized by a profound commitment to faith, an expanded view of motherhood and wifely duties, and …

Polluted Soundscapes And Contrepoison In Sixteenth-Century France: The Sonic Warfare Leading To The First War Of Religion, John Romey

Yale Journal of Music & Religion

In the decades leading up to and during the first years of the Wars of Religion, Huguenots and Catholics waged audible battles over sonic territories using songs as spiritual weapons. Huguenots memorized and communally sang metrical psalms in the vernacular as sonic markers of the Reformed faith. Catholics interpreted these same sounds as pollution in need of eradication. Artus Desiré, for example, responded by producing polemical contrepoison, musical antidotes created by composing new countertexts to Marot’s Psalm tunes to “cleanse” them of their perceived heresy. While scholars have long recognized both the destructive nature of iconoclastic attacks on religious …

Navigating Femininity: Queen Elizabeth I And The Armada Portrait, Julia Maurer

Capstone Showcase

By analyzing the iconographic program of the Armada Portrait, this essay demonstrates the various visual strategies that Queen Elizabeth I employed in order to navigate certain gendered, cultural barriers present in Early Modern England. I argue throughout this essay that Elizabeth was meticulous in her delicate dance of bolstering her individual authority, while not radically undermining the patriarchal dispensation in which she lived and ruled. In particular, I demonstrate that Queen Elizabeth I effectively utilized the visual arts to control the public perception of her reign in ways unique to female regnants, as she both confirmed and denied her femininity. …

A Nation On The Periphery Of History: A Discussion Of Poland-Lithuania During The Reformation, Dillon Piorkowski

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project hopes to establish several key points. One of which is that Poland is unfairly represented in Western historiography. Specifically, this means that in the English-speaking academic world, Poland is discussed disproportionately. Countries like Germany, France, and Britain have thousands of pages written about them discussing their roles during the Reformation. But Poland does not. This is evidenced by the many Western textbooks that misrepresent the nation. In turn, the project will use these various textbooks as evidence. The second point this project aims to cover is why Poland’s underappreciation is unfair. Simply demonstrating how Poland is underrepresented is …

Mentalités And The Search For Total History In The Works Of Annalistes, Foucault, And Microhistory, Jason U. Rose

The Hilltop Review

In this brief essay, the links between the Annales, the works of Michael Foucault, and microhistory are analyzed through the theoretical lens of histoire des mentalités (mentalités). Common threads that link these approaches include the willingness of using outside fields of analysis as well as the willingness to work with vagueness in search of those who Foucault calls, “lost people.” Relatedly, each of these groups and individuals are willing to analyze all aspects of the historical record to fully understand the minds, cultures, and histories of past people. The key to recognizing the relationship of these approaches involve knowing and …

Bernard Palissy: Early Career - Securing Patronage And Mimicking Nature In A Moment Of Crisis, Karissa Bailey

LSU Master's Theses

Early in 1562, France was experiencing a state of high religious tension between Protestants and Catholics that would precipitate the outbreak of the Religious Wars on March 1. A week before, Bernard Palissy, a Huguenot potter, wrote a letter to his Catholic patron from prison inBordeaux where he was being held on charges associated with an iconoclastic incident in his home city of Saintes. This letter would later be published as a dedication letter for the pamphlet Architecture et Ordonnance, which featured the description of a grotto commissioned by Anne de Montmorency, Palissy’s patron, seven years earlier. This thesis analyzes …

Bloodied Hearts And Bawdy Planets: Greco-Roman Astrology And The Regenerative Force Of The Feminine In Shakespeare’S The Winter’S Tale, Christina E. Farella

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This thesis offers a new reading of William Shakespeare’s late play The Winter’s Tale (1623), positing that in order to understand this complex and eccentric work, we must read it with a complex and eccentric eye. In The Winter’s Tale, planets strike without warning, pulling at hearts, wombs, and blood, impacting the health and emotional experience of characters in the play. This work is renowned for its inconsistent formal structure; the first half is a tragedy set in winter, but abruptly shifts to a comedy set in spring/summer in its latter half. What’s more, is that planets, luminaries, and …

Judith Leyster: A Study Of Extraordinary Expression, Nicole J. Cardinale

Theses and Dissertations

Judith Leyster’s innovative application of expression in her Self Portrait serves as the focus, whereby she is shown to blend conventional painting categories, preserve a sense of innocence, and confidently flaunt her skills. In turn, Leyster challenged the male-centric art market and stood apart from her artistic predecessors and contemporaries.

The Spiritual Nature Of The Italian Renaissance, Kaitlyn Kenney

Senior Honors Theses

This study seeks to investigate the influence of faith in the emergence and development of the Italian Renaissance, in both the artwork and writing of the major artists and thinkers of the day, and the impact that new expressions of faith had on the viewing public. While the Renaissance is often labeled as a secular movement by modern scholars, this interpretation is largely due to the political motives of the Medici family who dominated Florence as the center of this artistic rebirth, on and off again throughout the period. On close examination, the philosophical and creative undercurrents of the movement …

Music And Communal Division During The French Wars Of Religion, Cameron G. Wade

Honors Theses

This Senior Honors Thesis explores the social and cultural impact of confessional musical composition and performance on the French Wars of Religion (1562-1598). Because Huguenots and Catholics identified with and were widely identifiable by their respective musical styles, cultural divisions between each confession were emphasized by differences in music. This capacity of sacred and confessionally-influenced secular music to highlight and reinforce societal divides is evidenced by the interconfessional violence that accompanied the public performance of sacred music in cities as well as the pressures imposed on composers to create music which clearly aligned with their respective confessions. As the wars …

The New England Primer Improved, Unknown

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

Full title: The New England primer improved, for the more easy attaining the true reading of English. To which is added the Assembly of Divines, and Mr. Cotton's catechism. Boston, Printed by E. Draper and sold by J. Boyle, 1777

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The Wonder Of Wonders, Or, The Remarkable Discovery Of An American Hermit; : Who Lived Upwards Of 200 Years, James Buckland, John Fielding

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

Chapbook description:

The hermit was purportedly discovered by Capt. James Buckland and Mr. John Fielding, who in 1785 "agreed to travel into the western parts of this vast country, to explore the regions which belong to the United States which are yet unknown to us."

Printed in Kennebunk prior to Maine's statehood.

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Prieres Ordinaires Des Soldatz De L'Armee Conduite Par Monsieur Le Prince De Condé, Accommodees Selon L'Occurrence Du Temps, Louis Prince De Condé (1530-1569)

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

Morning and evening prayers for the use of soldiers, according to Calvinist rites.

Full title: Prieres ordinaires des soldatz de l'armee conduite par Monsieur le Prince de Condé, accommodees selon l'occurrence du temps = Zwey schone Gebet welche die Soldaten die unter dem herrn Printzen von Conde ligen beide Abends vnd Morgens wenn sie auf vnd von der Wacht zihen sprechen

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Bulla Reductionis Generalis Concilii Ad Civitatem Tridentinam Cum Monitione & Requisitione Prælatorum, Pope Julius Iii

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

Pope Julius III's bull announcing the re-opening of the Council of Trent in 1551 following the death of Paul III in 1549.

Full title: Bulla reductionis generalis concilii ad civitatem Tridentinam cum monitione & requisitione Prælatorum, ad illius prosecutionem p. S. D. N. D. Iulium III. pont. max

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Historia Vnd Beschreibung Des Magdenburgischen Kriegs, Sebastian Besselmeier

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

A news pamphlet detailing the various events during the siege of the Protestant city of Magdeburg by imperial forces in 1551.

Full title: Historia vnd beschreibung des Magdenburgischen kriegs, von anfang biss zum end, was sich die zeit der belegerung, innen vnd ausserhalb der Stadt zugetragen vnd verloffen hat, auch von der Schlacht vnnd furnembsten scharmutzlen thaten vnd angriffen zu beyden theilen geschehen im Iar der mindern zal, 50. vnd 51., auffs kurtzest verfasst

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Commentariorum De Bello Germanico, Luis De Avila Y Çuñiga (1500-1564)

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

A description of Charles V's war war against the Protestant league in 1546-1547, when the League was defeated at the battle of Muhlberg.

Full title: Commentariorum de bello Germanico, à Carolo V. Caesare Maximo gesto, libri duo / à Gulielmo Malinaeo Brugensi latinè redditi, & iconibus ad historiam accommodis illustrati

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Abtrucke Der Verwarungs Schrifft, Der Chur Vnd Fürsten, Auch Graffen, Herrn, Stette Vnd Stende Der Augspurgischen Confession, Unknown

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

The Protestant nobles state their grievances against Charles V, pointing out that in arming against them he is in violation of the oath he gave when elected Holy Roman Emperor.

Full title: Abtrucke der verwarungs schrifft, der Chur vnd Fürsten, auch Graffen, Herrn, Stette vnd Stende der Augspurgischen Confession Eynungs verwandten, Jhrer yetzigen hochgenottrangten, vnd verursachten Kriegssrüftung halben, an Keyserliche Mayestat aussgangen, vnd beschehen

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Bestendige Vnd Warhafftige Verantwortung, John Frederich, Elector Of Saxony (1503-1554)

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

Defense by Elector John Frederick of Saxony and Landgrave Philip of Hesse against the charges of Emperor Charles V that they are rebellious vassals. The princes counter that the real reason for the the Pope's and Emperor's making war against them is their Evangelical faith.

Full title: Der Durchleuchtigst vnd Durchleüchtigen Hochgebornen Fürsten vnd Herren, Herrn Johans Friderichen, Hertzogen zu Sachssen ... Und herrn Philipsen, Landgrauen zü Hessen ... Bestendige vnd warhafftige verantwortung, auch im Rechten gegründete widderlegung : Warumb die vormeinte vrsachen ... zuvorleumen vnterstanden, Inn facto vnd inn der that nicht war ... Das auch derselbe genante Kayser …

Warhaffte Vnd Gegründte Meldung Vnd Anzeigen Der Geschwinden, Tückischen, Bösen Anschleg Vnd Practick, Johann Schradin

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

Political satire against Charles V in the form of a dream by a Protestant preacher. In the dream, the Emperor has become a vassal of Rome and that Germans are released from their obedience to him.

Full title: Warhaffte vnd gegründte Meldung vnd Anzeigen der geschwinden, tückischen, bösen Anschleg vnd Practick : so wider die löblichenprotestierenden Stende, vnd Euangeliums einig Verwanten, durch die grossenFeind Gottes, den Bapst, vnd seinem Anhang, fürgenummen, vnd zu jemerlichenvnwiderbringlichem Vndergehen, vnd verderben des deudschen Lands, erdachtseind. Item Vrsach der genötigten, vnd gedrungnen Defension vnd Gegenwehr. Auch wie sich darinne zu halten sey. Gottes Wort bleiht …

Recusationsschrifft, Unknown

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

In this tract, the leaders of the Schmalkald League formally announce their intention not to participate in the Council of Trent, and give reasons why they are unable to do so. These include their objection to the Pope's having called it, since the Pope, as Bishop of Rome, has no legitimate power over other bishops, and their not recognizing the Council of Trent as a free and ecumenical council.

Full title: Recusatio[n]schrifft, in welcher alle protestierende Religions vnd Eynungs verwandte Stende, Rechtmessige vnd ergründete Ursach anzeigen warumb jre Chur vnd F.G. vnd sie, das vermeint, von Bapst Paulo dem Dritten, …

Beuelch, Das Euangelion Belangendt, Henry Duke Of Saxony (1473-1541)

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

Heinrich, a staunch Lutheran, announces the death of his brother the Duke George of Albertine Saxony, an equally committed Catholic, and decrees that Saxony is now to follow the reformed religion.

Full title: Des durchleuchtigen hochgebornen Fürsten vnd Herrn[n], herrn[n] Hainrichen Hertzoge[n] zu Sachssen [et]˜c. Beuelch, das Euangelion belangendt

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Apologia, Das Ist, Ein Vertedigs Rede Georgij Wicelij Widder Seine Affterreder Die Luteristen, Mit Sampt Kurtzer Abconterfeyung Luterischer Secten, Vnd Preis Alter Römischen Kirchen, Nützlich Zu Lesen, Georg Witzel (1501-1573)

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

Witzel, a Catholic priest who converted to Lutheranism, explains his break with Luther and return to the Church of Rome in response to the attacks of Lutherans against him. Bound with: Melliflui ac devotissimi patris beati Bernhardi…

Full title: Apologia, das ist, ein vertedigs rede Georgij Wicelij widder seine affterreder die Luteristen, mit sampt kurtzer abconterfeyung Luterischer secten, vnd preis alter Römischen Kirchen, nützlich zu lesen : Auch wie er von der Kirchen ynn die secten kommen, vnd von den selbigen widderumb zu der Kirchen geflohen ist

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Epistola Ad Henricum Viii. Sept. 1, 1525, Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

Letters exchanged in 1525 between Henry VIII and Martin Luther.

Full title: Literarum, quibus inuictissimus princeps, Henricus octauus ... respondit, ad quandam epistolam Martini Lutheri, ad se miss, et ipsius Lutheran quo epistol exemplum

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Appellation Vnnd Beruffung Der Prœbst Vnnd Des Augustiner Priors Zu Nüremberg, Unknown

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

An appeal action by the provosts G. Pessler of S. Sebald, and Hektor Pömer of S. Lorenz, and the prior of the Augustinian monastery Wolfgang Volprecht against the authority of the bishop of Bamberg Weigand von Redwith in judging their case, and calling for a free council.

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Ain Gesprech Von Den Scheynwercken Der Gaystlichen, Vnd Jren Gelübdten, Hans Sachs (1494-1576)

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

In a dialogue with the baker Peter, Hans Sachs discusses votive offerings and the Mass.

Full title: Ain Gesprech von den Scheynwercken der Gaystlichen, vnd jren gelübdten : damit sy zuouerlesterung des blouts Christi vermayne[n] selig zuowerden. / Hanns Sachs Schuochmacher

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Ernstliche Erbietung Der Euangelische[N] Prediger An Den Gaystlichen Stand Die Yetzigen Leer Betreffend, Urbanus Rhegius (1489-1541)

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

In six “points” the reformer Rhegius seeks to demonstrate the “signs” by which the true new evangelical teachings may be discerned.

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Das Hailig Ewig Wort Gots, Haug Marschalck, Haug

Albert A. Howard Book History Collection

A sermon on the Christian life by one of the greatest of the lay reformers who was also one of Luther’s earliest supporters. A former soldier with little education, he developed a mastery of Biblical texts. The text based mainly on the Gospels and Pauline Epistles.

Full title: Das hailig ewig wort gots : was das in im krafft, stercke tugende, frid, fred, erleiichtung und leben, in aym recht Cristen zü erwecken vermag &c. Zügestelt dem edlen gestrengen Riter und Kaiserlichen hauptm Herrn Jörgen v Frsperg zü Mündelhein. &c. Im Jar M.D. XXiij

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