Published: 2024-11-10

Giovanni Della Casa and his An uxor sit ducenda as an example of sixteenth-century misogynistic and misogamic literature

Mariusz Misztal
Saeculum Christianum. Historical Writings
Section: Rozprawy i Artykuły
https://doi.org/10.21697/sc.2024.31.1.7

Abstract

Giovanni Della Casa (1505-1556), an archbishop and papal diplomat, was the author of a Latin treatise known as An uxor sit ducenda, which is widely regarded as undeniable evidence of Della Casa’s acrimonious misogyny. The present analysis of the work, based on recent research, offers at least a partial defence of Della Casa against this somewhat unjust perception. Della Casa’s misogyny is often a by-product of his misogamy. The treatise describes the challenging reality of life in arranged marriages, which were difficult for both men and women, and it criticizes the norms and conventions surrounding marriage among the upper social classes.  The treatise was, perhaps, a symbolic farewell to secular life before his embarking on a career in the Church.

Keywords:

Giovanni Della Casa, An uxor sit ducenda, misogyny, misogamy, arranged marriages

Download files

Citation rules

Misztal, M. (2024). Giovanni Della Casa and his An uxor sit ducenda as an example of sixteenth-century misogynistic and misogamic literature. Saeculum Christianum. Historical Writings, 31(1), 95–107. https://doi.org/10.21697/sc.2024.31.1.7

Cited by / Share

This website uses cookies for proper operation, in order to use the portal fully you must accept cookies.