The Roman de la Rose Digital Library intends "to create an online library of all manuscripts containing the
Roman de la Rose poem." The site currently offers illustrations, transcriptions, and bibliographical data for over one hundred manuscripts. One of the most influential poems of the Middle Ages, the
Roman de la Rose was authored in part by
Guillaume de Lorris, in part by
Jean de Meun (who stepped in four decades later to finish it). Depending on which author is at work, the poem offers very different takes on its allegory of
courtly love. The
Roman de la Rose soon crossed the Channel as
The Romaunt of the Rose, which may or may not be a translation by
Geoffrey Chaucer. Notably, the poem's attitude to women spawned what came to be known as the "
Quarrel of the Rose," led by
Christine de Pizan (in French). In its long afterlife, the poem's influence has been felt everywhere from
tapestry to
pre-Raphaelite painting to
allegorical gardens.
posted by thomas j wise
on Oct 12, 2010 -
5 comments
