Description
Book SynopsisIn his Nichomachean Ethics (VII.I.I), Aristotle suggests the possibility of a perfection of virtue so extreme that it could be characterized as “heroic” or “divine”. In Shaping Heroic Virtue, eight scholars from different fields of the humanities explore the reception of this notion within a broad range of artistic, political and religious contexts and map its enduring importance in the self-fashioning of monarchs and political elites. The case studies included in the volume span from Late Antiquity to the 18th century and include material from different parts of Europe, with a particular emphasis on Scandinavia. Contributors include Erik Eliasson, Stefano Fogelberg Rota, Andreas Hellerstedt, Kristine Kolrud, Jennie Nell, Nils Holger Petersen, Tania Preste and Biörn Tjällén.
Table of ContentsIntroduction Section I: Heroic virtue between active and contemplative life in Late Antiquity and High Middle Ages Erik Eliasson, The late ancient development of a notion of Heroic Virtue Nils Holger Petersen, “Heroic Virtue” in Medieval Liturgy? Biörn Tjällén, Aristotle’s heroic virtue and medieval theories of monarchy Section II: Kingly and Aristocratic Representations of Heroic Virtue in Early Modern Savoy and Rome Kristine Kolrud, The gem and the mirror of heroic virtue: Emanuele Tesauro and the heroic at the court of Savoy Stefano Fogelberg Rota, Anti-Protestant Heroic Virtue in Early Modern Rome: Queen Christina (1626-1689) and Senator Nils Bielke (1706-1765) Section III: The Theory and Practice of Heroic Virtue in Early Modern Sweden Tania Preste, The Virtues of the King in Swedish Mirrors for Princes from the Fourteenth to the Seventeenth Centuries Andreas Hellerstedt, The Absolute Hero: Heroic Greatness and Royal Absolutism in Sweden 1685-1715 Jennie Nell, The Enlightened Hero. Virtue, Magnanimitas, and Glory in Panegyric Poetry on Gustavus III 1771-1792 Index
