Mother Queens and Princely Sons

This study explores representations of the Madonna and Child in early modern culture. It considers the mother and son as a conceptual, religio-political unit and examines the ways in which that unit was embodied and performed. Of primary interest is the way mothers derived agency from bearing incipient rulers.

'A fascinating study that deals with an aspect of early modern Marian imagery in theatrical contexts that has not yet been explored. This work is an important contribution to the ongoing scholarly consideration of Marian theatrical invocations.' - Regina Buccola, associate professor of English, Roosevelt University, USA

Sid Ray is a professor of English and Women s and Gender Studies at Pace University.