#mary of burgundy

[cuties-in-codices]

reynard the fox as a clergyman, with birds in his cowl

in the book of hours of mary of burgundy, flanders, ca. 1470

source: Vienna, ÖBN, Cod. 1857, fol. 59v

[cesareeborgia]

↳ Historical Ladies Name: Mary/Marie/Maria

[hundredthousandtimes]

Christa Théret as Mary Of Burgundy Maximilian - Das Spiel von Macht und Liebe Episode 2

[awkward-sultana]

(Almost) Every Costume Per Episode + Mary of Burgundy’s blue, purple and gold gown in 1x03

[catherinetheprincessofwales]

9 Royal Mary’s of history - Reigning and Consorting: -> 1. Mary of Burgundy: Consort of Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor (1457–1482). -> 2. Mary of Hungary (Mary of Habsburg): Queen consort of Louis II of Hungary and Bohemia (1505–1558). -> 3. Mary I of England: Reigned 1553–1558 (1516–1558). -> 4. Mary of Guise: Queen consort of James V of Scotland, regent for Mary, Queen of Scots (1515–1560). -> 5. Mary, Queen of Scots: Reigned 1542–1567 (1542–1587). -> 6. Mary II of England: Reigned 1689–1694 (1662–1694). -> 7. Mary of Modena: Queen consort of James II of England, regent for James Francis Edward Stuart (1658–1718). -> 8. Mary of Teck (Queen Mary): Consort of George V of UK, reigned 1910–1936 (1867–1953). -> 9. Mary Elizabeth Donaldson (Queen Mary): current Queen consort of Frederick X of Denmark since 14th January 2024 (1972-).

[belle-primrose]

The Wedding of Mary of Burgundy with Maximilian of Austria by Jacob Jordaens, between 1634 and 1635

[artthatgivesmefeelings]

Netherlandish/French, 15th century Portrait of a Lady ca.1470-80 The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Previous scholarship offers two unconvincing suggestions as to the sitter's identity: Margaret of York (1446 -1503), Duchess of Burgundy, and Mary of Burgundy (1457 -1482), Margaret's stepdaughter. The picture remains without a secure attribution, preserving, somewhat unfortunately, the air of mystery surrounding the portrait.

[visenya-den]

mary of burgundy 

1457 - 1482

[womenwhochangedhistory]

MARY OF BURGUNDY, THE RICH

Duchess of Burgundy, countess of Flanders, and archduchess of Austria, who fought to save her land from France and preserved what was to become the modern country of Belgium.

In Mary of Burgundy's days, Burgundy encompassed the area surrounding Dijon, Flanders, Picardy, and Brabant. It bordered France, Austria, and the English territories in the northeast part of continental Europe. The future of Burgundy was of utmost importance in the ongoing struggle for power between England and France, as well as in the many smaller conflicts throughout central and northern Europe. Mary's father, who was to be remembered as Charles the Bold, was the count of Charolois.  Her grandfather, known as Philip the Good, reigned as the duke of Burgundy. Mary's mother was Isabelle of Bourbon , the second wife of Charles. His first wife Catherine de France had died young, with no children; Mary of Burgundy was therefore the sole heir to a large and rich territory.

Since Charles had no male heirs, potential marriages with Mary of Burgundy were plotted almost from the day of her birth on February 13,1457. Her entrance into the world was celebrated in a grand style, and her baptism at the cathedral of Coudenberg was considered "the greatest magnificence ever seen for a girl." This elegance may have been due to the political position of the child, or it simply may have been expected of the stylish House of Burgundy. Whatever the reason, the festivities lasted an entire day, and Louis of France, later to rule as King Louis XI, was appointed as Mary's godfather. Mary's grandmother, Isabella of Portugal (1397–1471), filled the role of godmother. Gifts were brought by representatives from across Europe, including some from a number of cities which were in rebellion against Duke Philip the Good at the time. Mary of Burgundy spent most of her childhood at the ducal castle of Ten Waele at Ghent. She enjoyed an affectionate relationship with her father, even though he was almost constantly away from her. Especially after 1465, when Charles became the duke of Burgundy, he was personally involved in controlling and governing the cities of his territory. He also developed a flair for conquering new cities, and military operations kept him occupied for months at a time. Isabelle of Bourbon died when Mary was eight years old, and the girl was raised primarily by Lady Hallewijn, the wife of the duke's chief steward. Lady Hallewijn was a constant companion and loyal attendant to Mary throughout her life. Several cousins and other children from noble families lived with the heiress as playmates during her childhood. Mary's great-aunt (possibly Agnes of Burgundy) was responsible for arranging the series of governesses that educated the young lady. Not much is known about Mary's education, but it is clear that she could speak French, Flemish, and English. She enjoyed reading fables and Roman histories, and may have had some training in political philosophy. Her later actions as reigning duchess suggest that she was prepared early in life to govern. Mary developed a keen interest in hunting, riding, and other outdoor sports, as well as in gardening. She cared for her falcons as if they were children; later in life, her husband would express surprise at Mary's insistence on keeping the birds in the bedroom, even within a few days of their wedding. Mary's personal seal was a picture of herself on horseback with a falcon on her wrist. She had a complete court of attendants from her infancy, including a dwarf named Madame de Beauregard. Mary soon made her choice among the many suitors for her hand by selecting Archduke Maximilian of Austria, the future Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, who became her co-ruler. The marriage took place at Ghent on 19 August 1477, when she was 20 years old, while he was two years younger. Mary's marriage into the House of Habsburg initiated two centuries of contention between France and the Habsburgs, a struggle that climaxed with the War of the Spanish Succession bethween 1701 and 1714. When they had time, the couple indulged themselves with dancing, hunting, music and the love for animals. Mary tried to teach him iceskating, which he struggled to master. They read romances together. Contrary to the custom of the time, Mary and Maximilian shared the same private quarters and bedroom. Mary nursed their children herself and used to dine with merchants from Dijon. She entusiastically cheered for her husband during tournaments, in which he exceled in jousting, not just in feats of strength but also in the luxury he lavished on the equipments, horses, accessories and ornaments. At first, they talked to each other in Latin.  With Maximilian by her side, Mary's position became stronger, politically and militarily. Although he came with no money nor army, nor support from the Empire, and no prior experience in governance, his competence in military matters and his prestige as the son of an emperor boosted the stability of her territories. He took over the war effort, concerning both military and financial details. In 1482, a falcon hunt in the woods near Wijnendale Castle was organised by Adolph of Cleves, Lord of Ravenstein, who lived in the castle. Mary loved riding and was hunting with Maximilian and knights of the court when her horse tripped, threw her in a ditch, and then landed on top of her, breaking her back. She died several weeks later on 27 March from internal injuries, having made a detailed will. She was buried in the Church of Our Lady in Bruges on 3 April 1482. She was pregnant at the time. Maximilian was devastated. She had initially hidden the extent of her injury to calm him down. When he continued to display uncontrollable grief, she had to force him out of her chamber so that she could discuss matters of the state with her vassals, concerning which she asked them to keep their loyalty oath to him and their children. Maximilian was not present when she said her last words.

[renaissancecowboy]

mary of burgundy reading her devotions from her book of hours (1470s) by the master of mary of burgundy

her hand traces the marian prayer, “obsecro te domina sancta maria ("I beseech thee, holy mary").

[isadomna]

Christa Théret and Jannis Niewöhner as Mary of Burgundy and Maximilian of Austria

[cuties-in-codices]

taking a stroll

drollery from the margins of the "hours of mary of burgundy", flanders, c. 1470

source: Vienna, ÖNB, Cod. 1857, fol. 164r

[indisden]

Charlotte Hope x Jannis Niewöhner

[hundredthousandtimes]

Christa Théret as Mary Of Burgundy Maximilian - Das Spiel von Macht und Liebe Episode 1

[awkward-sultana]

(Almost) Every Costume Per Episode + Mary of Burgundy’s blue velvet gown in 1x03

[saintartemis]

5 for the museum ask :D

5. If you could create a museum about one thing, what would it be?

I think if I could I’d have a museum about the Burgundian Court from the 14th to the 15th century. I took several classes in undergrad focusing on northern renaissance art, especially the Burgundians (and honestly if I could back I’d focus more not my studies on that era) but the Burgundian Court was one of the most lavish and powerful in Europe for a time with ties with France, England, Spain and eventually the Holy Roman Empire.

They’re the reason when we were all kids we pictured princesses wearing those pointy hats( the proper name escapes me at the moment), why Joan of Arc was executed. Phillip the Good, said “ no thanks.”to an invitation to join the Order of the Garter(a rally ballsy move) and said “I’m going to former my own chivalric order.” Mary of Burgundy brought her hawks and greyhounds in to her bedchamber after her wedding. They were extra and I love it. I would love to have a museum just about this court.

Thank you for the question @museemusee!!