Women of the Renaissance

Society and the Metamorphosis of Women

During the early years of the Renaissance, women in western society were viewed very much as they had been for hundreds of years; as inferior beings, possessions or property to be cared for and distributed among brothers, fathers, and sons. The Catholic Church implemented strict regulations to keep women "in their place", submissive, modest, and focused on household matters.

But as the view of society began to change, the role of women within society evolved as well. Women began to be more outspoken, even more accepted as intellectuals, artists, and thinkers. Although it would be a great many more years before women would begin to be viewed as equals, these women were taking the first steps towards independence and enlightenment.

Perhaps the most notable woman of the Renaissance was Christine de Pisan, author of fifteen books, including histories, essays, and a treatise on weaponry. Her most famous work, Book of the City of Ladies, makes defiant arguments refuting the idea that women are inferior, citing examples of many powerful and influential women. Outspoken, independent, and highly educated, Christine de Pisan had a subtle but powerful influence in Western Europe, which helped pave the way for independent women to come.