Routledge - Old Women and Art in Early Modern Italy Book

Explore a unique perspective on art history with this scholarly study from Routledge. While portraits of younger women often dominate art history discussions, this book addresses the significant but overlooked presence of older women in early modern Italian portraiture. Focusing on Northern Italy and specifically the city of Bologna during the second half of the sixteenth century, this work examines how portraits of older women functioned within the domestic interior. The research investigates how religious reform during this period led to increased scrutiny of family life and the roles of women. This book provides a deep look into visual culture and the ways in which images of older women mediated cultural preoccupations. It is an essential resource for students and researchers interested in the history of art, gender studies, and the social dynamics of the early modern Italian domestic space.