Congratulations to Dr. John R. Decker’s Recent Published Article
Dr. John R. Decker’s article was just published in Renaissance Quarterly.
In this article, Decker examines five miniatures in the Hours of Catherine of Cleves (completed 1442). Each folio contains representations of jewelry in the margins, which operate on two different levels. First, they demonstrate Catherine of Cleves’ adoration of five female saints. Decker argues that the fictive jewelry may be understood as simulated ex-votos designed to secure the aid and protection of these saints. Second, the images can be seen as a strategy for establishing strategic alliances with each saint. As a final dimension, Decker explores how the vitae of these saints may have had resonances for the duchess that help explain the focus placed on them in the manuscript.