Life and Art in 15th Century Bruges: Gender Roles and Recognition

“There is no book so bad… that it does not contain something good.” Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote (1605)

Hey, folks. Let’s connect some history dots!

Jehanne’s life -my persona- in 15th-century Bruges was a balancing act between her work, faith, and social life. The rhythms of the workshop, the changing seasons, and the religious calendar set the pace of her days. In this episode (Part 7 of the series), we’ll dive into how gender roles shaped Jehanne’s everyday life. It’s fascinating to see how women navigated within the limitations placed on them by patriarchal forces. At the same time, they found ways to improve their situations.

The Role of Women in Manuscript Production

Women like Jehanne played significant roles in the world of manuscript production. They contributed as illuminators and subjects. They were even commissioners of manuscripts. In the Bening workshop, Jehanne would have been one of many women involved in this intricate work. Family-run workshops like the Benings were essential for training women in artistic skills during this time.

Though she faced societal restrictions, Jehanne was far from alone in working alongside men. Many women from modest backgrounds contributed to the visual arts, including manuscript illumination, even though the field was male-dominated. Sadly, their efforts were often overshadowed by those of their male counterparts.

The Catholic Church’s views on gender also limited what women could do in art. For example, they prohibited women from studying the nude human form. Yet, despite these constraints, Jehanne found joy and purpose through her religious connections. The spiritual atmosphere of Bruges inspired her work, adding depth to the illuminated manuscripts she helped create.

Creating illuminated manuscripts was no small task. It required a team effort. Where Jehanne worked, each person had a defined role, and the process was truly a labor of love. From preparing the parchment to the final touches of binding, every step demanded careful attention.

Jehanne was part of a close-knit community, where her days flowed with the natural rhythms of life and work. As I’ve shared before, “Jehanne didn’t juggle a million things like we do today. Her life moved with the natural flow of work, seasons, and faith.”

Unlike noblewomen who managed estates or handled household affairs, Jehanne’s education came from hands-on experience in the family’s workshop. This was how women in artisan families passed down their craft—through the doing, not through formal schooling.

Guilds and Professional Opportunities for Women

The dominant narrative often casts women as subservient. However, there were exceptions. It was common for women in artistic families to work alongside their husbands, brothers, or uncles. Jeanne de Montbaston was one of them. She continued her family’s manuscript business in 14th-century Paris after her husband’s death. Among their most famous works was the popular courtly poem Roman de la Rose.

In cities like Bruges, women made up a notable percentage (25%) of the painters’ guild. However, they were often left out of official documentation. Jehanne was part of this larger network of lesser known women artisans.

Christine de Pizan is another remarkable example from this period. Born in 1364, Christine used her writing to challenge gender norms and advocate for women’s equality. Christine carved out her own space in a male-dominated world, excelling as a writer and philosopher. She was the first woman in Europe to earn her living solely by writing. And one of the first to argue for women’s capabilities and value in society, including in artistic fields. Christine engaged in the querelle des femmes– the woman question- a philosophical debate on women’s nature and status.

Breaking Boundaries and Making Their Mark

The Renaissance was a time when some intellectual and cultural shifts began to challenge traditional gender roles. Women like Jehanne, Christine, and Jeanne de Montbaston pushed the boundaries imposed on them. Joan of Arc, a more well-known figure, defied gender norms by leading an army. Jehanne’s story was not about battlefield glory. However, she was also an upstart. She was a woman making her mark in the world of art.

Today, research is uncovering more lives of women like Jehanne, Jeanne de Montbaston. Mayken Verhulst, and Volcxken Diericx are two more. These women advanced their husbands’ posthumous reputations. They also navigated the complexities of the art market after their spouses passed away.

We’re beginning to see just how crucial their contributions were. Women like those I mentioned shaped the legacy of their families and influenced the art market of their time. Despite facing limitations and often being left out of historical records, their work continues to resonate with us today.

The recognition Jehanne and other women received was limited by gender roles. The work women performed in workshops, markets, and other visual culture sites often remains unseen. Consequently, we will never know many of these figures. The growing number of illuminated images of women’s labor produced does not change this. This shows why it is important to recognize people’s contributions both in the past and in today’s reenactments.

Conclusion: Jehanne’s Experience in Context
In this episode, Jehanne Bening and Christine de Pizan exemplify how women navigated societal limitations. They made significant contributions despite the constraints of their gender. Christine left lasting marks on history through her poetry, novels, biographies, and commentaries. Jehanne also made a lasting impact with her skilled artistry in Bruges. Their determination allowed them to thrive in creative and intellectual spheres, excelling within the boundaries imposed by their societies.

As we continue to explore the lives of these remarkable women, the importance of their contributions becomes clearer. Jehanne played a vital role in the flourishing of manuscript arts in 15th-century Bruges. She solidified her place in a tradition shaped by the persistence and talent of women across generations.

In this journey through Jehanne’s life, we’ve seen how she and her peers navigated societal constraints. They left a lasting impact on the art world. Their stories remind us of the resilience of women throughout history. They show their determination to thrive even in the face of significant challenges. Jehanne played a significant role in the flourishing manuscript arts of 15th-century Bruges. Her contributions demonstrate the importance of recognizing the contributions women have made in the past. It also highlights the contributions they continue to make in today’s reenactments.

Stay tuned for more as we continue to explore the fascinating world of Jehanne Bening!