Women in Thirteenth-century Spain as Portrayed in Alfonso X's Cantigas de Santa Maria

This study analyzes the female characters of the Cantigas as they appear in the written narrative and the illuminations of Escorial ms. T.J.I. In addition to the recurring presence of the Virgin Mary, the Cantigas portray women from a variety of social strata, racial and religious background, marital status, and occupations. The study examines visual narrative; theological and iconographic constructs of the Virgin; socio-historical, philosophical, and literary paradigms; female speech in the Miracle Narratives; the relationships of Mary to other women; and portrayals of female devotion to the Virgin.