Description

Book Synopsis
The Darnley jewel, a masterpiece of the goldsmith's art on display at Edinburgh's Holyrood Palace, has been deemed a love token, but has also been labelled an emblem of political ambition. Taking the shape of a heart, the jewel was produced at a moment (1565-75) when such objects worn by courtiers were a primary means of asserting status and proclaiming allegiances. With a deep medieval history - originally the fleshly power centre of the human body, the seat of the soul, and place of memory and emotion - the heart has many aspects to offer. This book shows how the understanding of the heart changed during the Middle Ages, from spiritual locus of the body, to source of devotion to country, and finally, to the font of love and sentimentality.

Heart's Desire: The Darnley Jewel and the Human

    Product form

    £13.46

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £14.95 – you save £1.49 (9%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Fri 14 Aug 2026.

    A Hardback by Cynthia Hahn

    Out of stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Heart's Desire: The Darnley Jewel and the Human by Cynthia Hahn

      Publisher: National Galleries of Scotland
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 10/02/2020
      ISBN13: 9781911054375, 978-1911054375
      ISBN10: 1911054376

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      The Darnley jewel, a masterpiece of the goldsmith's art on display at Edinburgh's Holyrood Palace, has been deemed a love token, but has also been labelled an emblem of political ambition. Taking the shape of a heart, the jewel was produced at a moment (1565-75) when such objects worn by courtiers were a primary means of asserting status and proclaiming allegiances. With a deep medieval history - originally the fleshly power centre of the human body, the seat of the soul, and place of memory and emotion - the heart has many aspects to offer. This book shows how the understanding of the heart changed during the Middle Ages, from spiritual locus of the body, to source of devotion to country, and finally, to the font of love and sentimentality.

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account