The Nun's Tale from the Hours of Catherine of Cleves: A Medieval Novella
Graduation Date
Fall 2011
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program Name
Humanities
First Reader
Leslie Ross, PhD
Second Reader
Thomas Burke, MA
Abstract
The Hours of Catherine of Cleves (c. 1440), a lavishly illustrated medieval Dutch illuminated manuscript, served as the inspiration for this art historical novella. The plot revolves around the anonymous identity of an artist-nun and her patron, Catherine of Cleves, the Duchess of Guelders (1417-1476) who commissions for herself a fine prayer book reflecting her status as a wealthy and politically influential noblewoman. This fictional account includes references to some of the illuminations from the actual manuscript, now housed in the Pierpont Morgan Library in New York. This illustrated manuscript has long been recognized as one of the most important productions of late medieval art in northern Europe, although the artist of the remarkable illustrations remains unknown. This thesis combines historical facts from Catherine’s tumultuous life via lively characterizations of the patron and presumed artist. The climax of the story is revealed when in the process of creating Catherine’s manuscript, a hidden secret comes to light that entangles the characters in individual struggles over their own existence, motives, and spiritual salvation.