Life and Art in 15th-Century Bruges: A New Blog Series

Hello, dear readers!

I have some exciting news to share with you all! I’m launching a new blog series that will transport us to the enchanting city of Bruges in the 15th century. In it we’ll walk in the steps of Jehanne Bening, my persona. Jehanne is a talented craftswoman working in the famous workshop of Alesander Bening and his son Simon.

This series,” Life and Art in 15th-Century Bruges: The Journey of Jehanne Bening “, will take you on an adventure into the life and times of Jehanne. We’ll explore her daily routine, the vibrant culture of Bruges, and the challenges and joys of working in one of the most prestigious workshops of the era.

Here’s a glimps at what you can expect in each part of the series:

Part 1: Introduction to 15th Century Bruges
The journey begins with a stroll through the lively streets of Bruges, known as the “Venice of the North.” We’ll discover why this city was such a bustling hub of commerce and culture, and what made it the perfect setting for a thriving workshop like the Benings’ established.

Part 2: The Bening Workshop
Dive into the heart of the Bening workshop. Learn about Alesander and Simon Bening, the masters of the workshop, and the renowned illuminated manuscripts they created.

Part 3: A Day in the Life of Jehanne Bening
Explore a day in the life of Jehanne Bening! From the early morning preparations to the intricate tasks of the day, you’ll see how Jehanne contributes to the creation of gorgeous illuminated manuscripts.

Part 4: Tools and Techniques
This day you will snoop around the Bening workshop and explore the tools and techniques Jehanne uses daily. Discover the process of preparing materials, mixing pigments, and the art of gilding.

Part 5: The Artistic Process
Explore the artistic process of creating illuminated manuscripts. Learn about the stages of creating a manuscript, from first sketches to the final touches.

Part 6: Community and Social Life
Ever wondered what life was like in 15th-century Bruges? We’ll look at Jehanne’s living conditions, her community, and the social events that bring color to her world.

Part 7: Gender Roles and Recognition
Explore how gender roles affected Jehanne’s work and the recognition she received in a male-dominated field.

Part 8: Challenges and Rewards
Illuminating manuscripts isn’t for the faint of heart! On this post we’ll probe the precision and patience required, the economic stability of the workshop, and the challenges Jehanne faces.

Part 9: Reflections on the Journey
In this post, I’ll show Jehanne’s journey and the possible legacy of her work. We’ll recap the highlights of the series and ponder the lasting impact of the Bening workshop on the world of art.

I’m excited to bring you this series from Jehanne Bening’s point of view. It’s a personal way to experience history, with a touch of storytelling. I hope you’ll join me in uncovering the world of 15th-century Bruges, my favorite European city!