Illustrating the Ostracized : the Depiction of Villain, Soldier and Jew in the Passional of Abbess Cunegund

Abstract

The first treatise of the so‑called Passional of Abbess Cunegund was composed by the Dominican lector Colda of Colditz at the abbess’ behest in 1312, and illustrated by an unknown artist. In this study, images of three specific character‑types are analysed: villain, soldier and Jew, who not only act out their part in the treatises’ account of Christ’s Passion, but also appear to provide a window onto certain aspects of contemporary, medieval Czech society. By examining the iconography of the illustrations it is shown how, through characterisation, caricature and dress, the viewer is led to adopt an attitude either of disgust towards the malefactors, or a certain sympathy towards a chosen few.