Pope Joan Collection

The Wheel of Fortune (from an manuscript of Troy Book by John Lydgate), Mid of the 15th century. Artist: Anonymous
The Wheel of Fortune (from an manuscript of Troy Book by John Lydgate), Mid of the 15th century. Found in the collection of John Rylands University Library

Sella stercoraria, chair used to confirm the masculinity of the Pope (woodcut)
7186182 Sella stercoraria, chair used to confirm the masculinity of the Pope (woodcut) by German School, (17th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sella stercoraria)

Pope Joan (engraving)
7185784 Pope Joan (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Pope Joan giving birth during a procession on the streets of Rome)

Pope Joan, ca 1545. Creator: Burgkmair, Hans, the Elder (1473-1531)
Pope Joan, ca 1545. Private Collection

Pope Joan (from the Schedels Chronicle of the World), 1493. Private Collection

Pope Joan. From De mulieribus claris (Concerning Famous Women) by Giovanni Boccaccio, ca 1538-1539. Private Collection

Lady Godinas Rout or Peeping Tom spying out Pope Joan, 1796
Lady Godinas Rout or Peeping Tom spying out Pope Joan, pub. 1796 (hand coloured engraving)

The triumph of the Church, ca 1625. Artist: Rubens, Pieter Paul (1577-1640)
The triumph of the Church, ca 1625. Found in the collection of Museo del Prado, Madrid

Lady Godinas rout or Peeping Tom spying out Pope Joan, Gillray, James, 1756-1815, engraver, engraving 1796, a fashionable crowd playing cards at two tables

Lady Godinas Rout Or Peeping Tom Spying Out Pope Joan, Gillray, James, 1756-1815, Engraver, Engraving 1796, A Fashionable Crowd Playing Cards At Two Tables

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"Pope Joan: A Mythical Tale Unveiled Through Art" Step back in time to the mid-15th century, where the Wheel of Fortune turns and reveals a captivating story. In an anonymous manuscript of Troy Book by John Lydgate, we catch a glimpse of Pope Joan, a figure shrouded in mystery. Fast forward to 1796, as Lady Godinas Rout or Peeping Tom spies on Pope Joan through hand-colored engravings. The tale continues to captivate minds even centuries later. Gillray's colored engraving titled "Lady Godinas Rout Peeping-Tom Spying Pope-Joan" adds another layer to this intriguing narrative. Delving deeper into history, we encounter Sella stercoraria - a wooden chair used to confirm the masculinity of the Pope. This woodcut symbolizes the lengths people went to maintain gender norms within religious institutions during that era. The artistic interpretations continue with Hans Burgkmair's 1545 engraving depicting Pope Joan. His portrayal brings her character vividly to life, inviting us into her world filled with secrets and deception. Giovanni Boccaccio's work from De mulieribus claris (Concerning Famous Women) showcases yet another representation around 1538-1539. Her presence lingers throughout history as artists strive to capture her essence and unravel her enigmatic story. Rubens' masterpiece "The Triumph of the Church" transports us further into time, circa 1625. Amidst its grandeur lies subtle hints at this legendary figure who dared challenge societal norms within religious hierarchy. From ancient manuscripts and woodcuts to vibrant engravings by renowned artists like Gillray and Rubens – each artwork offers its own interpretation of Pope Joan's tale. As we explore these visual narratives spanning centuries, it becomes clear that she remains an enduring symbol challenging traditional notions surrounding power and gender roles within religion.