by Heather R. Darsie Unknown Woman, previously identified as Amalia of Cleves by Hans Holbein, c. 1539 After just over six months of marriage, on 9 July 1540, Anna von Kleve, more commonly known as Anne of Cleves, was divorced from Henry VIII of England. As part of her reward for acquiescing so easily to Henry’s request, she would forever after be known in England … Continue reading Amalia of Cleves, Sister of Anne of Cleves
by Heather R. Darsie Sibylle von der Mark, simply known as “Sybylla of Cleves” during her lifetime, was born on 17 July 1512. Sybylla eventually became older sister to Anna von von der Mark, more commonly known as Anne of Cleves or Henry VIII’s fourth wife, in 1515. Sybylla, the eldest of Maria von Julich-Berg’s children with Duke Johann III of Cleves, was elevated to … Continue reading Sybylla, the Other Daughter of Cleves
by Heather R. Darsie Sibylle von Kleve, who signed her name as “Sybylla,” was born on 17 July 1512. Sybylla eventually became older sister to Anna von Kleve, more commonly known as Anne of Cleves or Henry VIII’s fourth wife, in 1515. Sybylla, the eldest of Maria von Julich-Berg’s children with Duke Johann von Kleve, was elevated to the station of Electress Consort through her … Continue reading Sibylle, the Other Daughter of Cleves
by Heather R. Darsie Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum 500ten Geburtstag, Anna! Anna von Kleve, most widely known as Anne of Cleves or Henry VIII’s fourth wife, was born on either 20* or 22 September 1515. Anna was born in Düsseldorf, the second daughter out of four children. She lived at her father’s court until late 1539, when Anna moved to England to become Henry VIII’s fourth … Continue reading Happy 500th Birthday, Anna!
On 24 February 1525, the Battle of Pavia was fought as part of the Italian Wars that began in 1521 and ended in 1526. The French troops, led by King Francis I, fought against the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V’s Imperial army, which was reinforced by Spanish troops. The battle lasted around four hours, with the French taking heavy casualties. Francis himself was taken captive … Continue reading Her Brother’s Keeper: Marguerite of Angouleme, Queen of Navarre Rescues Francis I from the Emperor
by Heather R. Darsie, JD In 1571, the Ottoman Turks were a proven naval force. Leading up to 1571, the Venetians had attempted to make peace with the Turks to end their expansion through the Mediterranean. Turkish ships would harry the Venetians and, through Barbary pirates, occasionally raid the coasts of France, Spain and Italy. Counter to that, the Christian Knights of St John of … Continue reading A Brief Overview of the Battle of Lepanto
A battle that shaped our world. Part of scene 52 of the Bayeux Tapestry. Depicts mounted Normans attacking the Anglo-Saxon infantry, 12th century. The King Edward II – King of England. Known as the Confessor. Died childless; cousin of William the Bastard. In 1051 Edward promised William that William would inherit the throne upon Edward’s death. Edward, when close to death in early 1066, told … Continue reading 950th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings
Fashion has had innumerable iterations throughout the centuries, with the Renaissance bringing about not just changes in thinking, art and education, but also clothing style. And along with new clothing styles came sumptuary laws, which created strict visual distinctions between the different classes. There were also restrictions on who could wear which fabrics. The lower classes wore linen or wool; cotton was not allowed … Continue reading Tudor Fashion
Illuminated Books of Hours were items commonly kept by the nobility. The Master of François de Rohan completed at least one Book of Hours for Francis I (François, Françoys) of France. Other items identified as executed by the Master of François de Rohan include translations of Italian works, a treatise on hunting, books or poetry, and a copy of the English Bible that was sent … Continue reading A Very Brief Introduction to the Master of François de Rohan
Marguerite de Navarre, also known as Marguerite d’Angoulême, was born 11 April 1492 and died 21 December 1549. She was sister to Francis I of France and queen consort of Henri II of Navarre. Most importantly, Marguerite was a brilliant mind and an author. Master of François de Rohan. For more on the artist, see https://maidensandmanuscripts.com/2017/05/14/a-very-brief-introduction-to-the-master-of-francois-de-rohan/ Marguerite’s early life was spent in Cognac and Blois, … Continue reading Marguerite of Navarre: Queen of the Renaissance
Maidens and Manuscripts: Taking a fresh look at people and events from 1347 to 1625, with a focus on women and illuminated manuscripts 