Forests of Symbols: World, Text, and Self in Malcolm Lowry's Fiction by Patrick A. McCarthy (review)

Abstract

Very interesting is the study of Chiara Gambacorta of Pisa's impact on the arts. Married at age thirteen and widowed at fifteen, this strongminded woman entered a Franciscan convent in Pisa in order to avoid another marriage arranged by her family (121-22). Later, as prioress of her religious community, she supervised the building of dormitories, churches and convents, which were later decorated by artists. Even though the exact relationship between the artists and the nuns is not known because of lack of documentation, "certEiinly the nuns and the prioress determined the subject" ( 130), thus influencing the lives of secular and religious men and women Qf their times by the themes depicted in the paintings. Suor Maria Clemente Ruoti is lauded as a writer. Supported by the wealth and partial freedom of convent culture, she wrote plays to be performed in front of a limited audience of nuns and female relatives, which allowed her to act as "spokesperson to the world for her convent sisters and her sex" (290). Among the other women considered in the collection, we can number Clare of Assisi, Angela of Foligno, Maria Maddalena de' Pazzi, Maria Domitilla Galluzzi, Lucrezia Orsina Vizzana, and others who are often forgotten notwithstanding their contribution to culture and society. This collection fills the void in recognizing some less known women as primary contributors in their times, such as Giovanna D'Aragona, Isabella della Rovere and the Marchesa della Tolfa, who participated actively in financing a number of religious projects, especially in connection with the Jesuit Order. Up to now they have not been fully credited for the accomplishments of their patronage. The book is accompanied by a precise bibliography, detailed notes after each essay, and many fine illustrations. Some of the concepts presented in the essays might become tedious because of repetition, but their reoccurrence shows consensus of critical voices. This collection must be greeted as an important and valuable addition to women's studies.