Zénobie reine · Centre for Early Modern Visual Culture · Center for Early Modern Visual Culture

Title: Zénobie reine
Subject: Military; Armour; Beauty; Respect; Skill; Zenobia
Period: 1400-1450;
Geographic: Palmyra
Description: Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra, gestures to her soldiers. She is depicted with very light skin, despite being known for having darker skin as many people in her region did. She was known for her extraordinary beauty, generosity, intelligence, skill, and virtuosity, among other traits. She supposedly never spoke to her army without wearing a helmet, though in this image she wears no armor. She is depicted with blonde hair and fair skin, wearing an elaborate gown. She addresses her army who are all wearing armor, and one man kneels before her as a sign of respect. She was equally respected and feared for her skill at military affairs.
Image Creator: Master of the Cleres Femmes of the Duke of Berry (Illuminator)
Type: Text; Illumination
Identifier: mta:20256
Language: fre
Source Name: Livre des Femmes Nobles et Renommées
Parent Collection: 1403 Paris
Image: mta_20256_OBJ.png