THE EXCESSES OF WOMEN: WOMEN'S DRESS AND SPEECH IN THE CASTELLANA GLOSS TO THE REGIMENT OF PRINCES BY EGIDIO ROMANO

Abstract

This article examines the perception of female “excesses” in the 14th century Iberian Peninsula, analyzing Egidio Romano's Glosa Castellana al “De Regimine Principum”. The work, which belongs to the Mirror of Princes genre, reinforces the idea that women, by nature, tended to be uncontrolled in their conduct, especially in speaking and dressing, requiring male intervention to keep them within the standards of temperance, humility and chastity. The study shows how husbands were responsible for correcting such excesses, acting as moral guardians appointed by God and society. It also explores how these precepts were assimilated as part of a civilizing education, legitimizing surveillance over the female body and behaviour.