This article examines the highly unusual iconography in a drawing of the mystic and stigmatic Suor Domenica da Paradiso (1473– 1553) as alter Christus. A Dominican tertiary from a lower- class background and influenced by Savonarola, Suor Domenica founded and built the convent of La Crocetta in Florence in 1511. Probably drawn by her confessor, Francesco da Castiglione (1466–1542),...
Cultivating Prudence: Robert Dallington’s Aphorismes Civill and Militarie
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Robert Dallington’s Aphorismes Civill and Militarie (1613) presents a condensed version of Guicciardini’s Storia d’Italia, accompanied by commentary and relevant quotations from authorities. This aphorized and epitomized version of the Storia seems to present the lessons of history only as easily captured, readily imparted precepts. As a careful reader of...
Orthography and National Identity in the Sixteenth Century
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This essay will first contextualize the linguistic concerns of the French and Spanish nations as they vied for power in Europe and abroad. Then, after sketching the common linguistic concerns of the Romance languages, especially the extension of language and power, it will investigate the debates regarding the grammar and orthography of the national language that characterized France in the...
Anthony Copley and the Politics of Catholic Loyalty 1590– 1604
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Great polarity of opinion existed toward religious and secular authorities among English Catholics in the later sixteenth century. Anthony Copley presents a well- documented, yet hitherto understudied example of how Catholic loyalties could operate. Importantly, Copley’s loyalty, influenced by the Wars of Religion, proved cosmopolitan rather than insular. This article examines how in his life...
The Plague Cures of Caspar Kegler: Print, Alchemy, and Medical Marketing in Sixteenth-Century ...
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The Leipzig physician Caspar Kegler created novel alchemical plague cures in the early sixteenth century that were among the first brand- name medicines developed in German- speaking lands. Although Kegler is largely unknown today, he and his descendants secured his fame by promoting his secret cures and distributing his printed pamphlets throughout German- speaking lands between 1521 and 1607...