Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Sciacca, a curator of early and medieval European art at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, offers expert commentary in this profusely illustrated volume that accompanies an exhibition of depictions of women in medieval manuscripts at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Much of the art is drawn from illuminated prayer and devotional books, and Sciacca provides basic background on the subjects of the art (explaining the difference between Saint Margaret and Saint Agatha, for example). More intriguing are her observations about women as patrons of the arts in the medieval era. Wealthy women commissioned prayer books and often requested to have their portraits painted into their books, usually depicted in a prayer position. The bright and saturated colors of the manuscripts are dazzling, particularly in the richly patterned garments and intricate marginalia. The appearance of a Persian miniature seems arbitrary and a faint attempt at inclusivity in a text devoted almost exclusively to Western art. Some readers might wish for more history, but a basic bibliography provides direction for further inquiry. This book would make a nice gift for those interested in women's history or religious art. Color illus. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review by Library Journal Review
Small and slim as art books go, this title, which accompanies a Getty Museum exhibition, presents a wide range of medieval women in exquisite manuscript illuminations from the late 12th to 17th centuries, with the majority of the illuminations from that museum's collections. In four chapters, curator Sciacca (Walters Art Museum; Building the Medieval World) describes the pieces in a scholarly yet approachable way and provides context on the era's ideals of womanhood, warnings to women, women's daily lives, and women's roles in the arts. In addition to the depictions of both real and legendary figures, there are many examples of books that were commissioned and illustrated by women, showing they were active in creating their own representations. Also of note are Judaic illuminations from two Haggadahs, a prayer book, and a copy of Maimonides's Mishneh Torah. The book concludes with an epilog, which includes material from the 19th through the 21st centuries that was inspired by medieval illuminations and a list of suggested readings. VERDICT This book's accessibility will appeal to many readers, especially those interested in medieval art or women's history.-Martha Smith, Elmira Coll. Lib., NY © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
