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Document Details :

Title: Grijs vernuft in groene jaren
Subtitle: Reflecties op auteurschapsontwikkeling bij vrouwen in vroegmoderne voorwerkteksten
Author(s): VAN BODEGRAVEN, Annika , DIETZ, Feike , GEERDINK, Nina
Journal: Spiegel der Letteren
Volume: 64    Issue: 2   Date: 2022   
Pages: 97-126
DOI: 10.2143/SDL.64.2.3291064

Abstract :
Early modern literary careers are generally perceived as progressive: inadequate young authors gradually develop their literary skills and knowledge while growing old. In this article, we analyse how young authorship and career development of early modern Dutch women writers was represented in front matter in their literary print-publications. We demonstrate that front matter’s praise of young women’s authorship was connected to both male and female flavoured qualities. These qualities turn out to be connected to the ways in which female careers were represented. When young female authorship was mainly legitimated by referring to intellectual capacities considered typically masculine, the women’s career is perceived as progressive. However: when this legitimation is rather based on qualities considered as typically feminine, such as virtuousness and handiwork skills, the women’s authorship at an early age is sometimes represented as already fully-grown and complete.

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