The return journeys of the queen-widows: an upside-down ritual or irrelevant pageantry?
Author(s)
Patrik Pastrnak
Date Issued
2023
Type
article
Volume
6
Start Page
13
End Page
32
Journal
Abstract
In medieval and early modern Europe, interdynastic princely unions caused an unprecedented movement of royal figures. Princely brides travelled across the continent, accompanied by massive retinues in a choreographically staged cycle of ceremonies. However, these princely women sometimes ventured back to their natal courts. While there have been some excellent studies, looking into particular cases, a comparative approach might bring a deeper understanding of this travel. This paper examines the return journeys of three queens from Central Europe to Italy, particularly Beatrice of Aragon (1500/01), Bona Sforza (1556), and Maria of Spain (1581). Th is study reveals differences and similarities between these transfers and other types of princely mobility. Like bridal transfers, these journeys were important for social networking and entailed a similar level of festival splendour but this was closely connected to the queen’s social and political capital. On the other hand, they lacked a strong ritual layer and differed in the use of emotions. Most importantly, the main difference is the very reason they took place: these three return journeys were a direct consequence of queens’ wills and thus a testimony of their agency and power.
Subjects
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EEHR 6-2023 Patrik Pastrnak.pdf
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