Duccio di Buoninsegna (Guest post by Analisa Soverns-Reed from Accessible Art History)

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Without a doubt, Duccio di Buoninsegna is one of the most important artists in the history of art. However, he is often overshadowed by later artists like Giotto, Donatello, and Leonardo. But, it was Duccio’s flirtation with naturalism and development of the Trecento art style that helped to lay the foundation for the Renaissance. Although … Continue reading Duccio di Buoninsegna (Guest post by Analisa Soverns-Reed from Accessible Art History)

Royal Portraits and Power (Guest post by Elizabeth Hill-Scott from Smart History Blogging)

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Throughout history, royal portraits have been about more than just decorative pictures for Great Halls and bed chambers. They were the advertising signs or political propaganda mechanisms of their day. Here, I explore how English royal portraits have been used to forge alliances, marriages, scare off enemies, display power and wealth and combat insecurities whilst … Continue reading Royal Portraits and Power (Guest post by Elizabeth Hill-Scott from Smart History Blogging)

Namesake: The Daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine

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It was pretty standard in medieval Europe for people to name their children after themselves, with Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine no different. Their second son was named Henry after his father, and their second daughter was named Eleanor after her mother. Upon her marriage she became Leonor so for clarity in … Continue reading Namesake: The Daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine

The Forgotten Brother: Geoffrey Plantagenet

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Next in our series on the Angevins we’re going to be looking at Geoffrey Plantagenet and his family. Geoffrey Plantagenet, Duke of Brittany Born in 1158, Geoffrey is often overlooked by history in favour of his kingly brothers Henry the Young King, Richard the Lionheart and John. With so many brothers, his father Henry II … Continue reading The Forgotten Brother: Geoffrey Plantagenet

A Good King of England? Re-Evaluating the Lionheart.

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Richard Plantagenet was never meant to rule England. His surviving elder brother Henry had been crowned in 1170 to secure the Angevin succession, but the medieval world was a deadly place and his brother died of dysentery in 1183. This led to Richard becoming his father Henry II’s primary heir. Richard Plantagenet With so many … Continue reading A Good King of England? Re-Evaluating the Lionheart.