Published: 2023-07-25

How to make the complexion beautiful? Care products according to Marcin of Urzędów

Anna Suchecka
Kwartalnik Historii Kultury Materialnej
Section: Studies and Materials
DOI https://doi.org/10.23858/KHKM71.2023.2.001

Abstract

The article deals with care products described by Marcin of Urzędów in Herbarz polski (Polish herbarium), published in 1595. The work consists of descriptions of 549 plant species and remedies of mineral and animal origin. An analysis of its contents led to the identification of 68 descriptions containing advice on taking care of body hygiene, especially that of the face. They were systematised according to ailments and needs, the most important of which concerned brightening the skin, getting rid of freckles, wrinkles, scars and a tan, as well as dyeing hair and eyebrows and beautifying the face. As a result, it was possible to identify Marcin’s professed ideal of beauty and outline his cultural inspirations, which went back to the aesthetic standards maintained by the elite of the Italian Renaissance.

Keywords:

Marcin of Urzędów, Herbarz polski, printed herbarium, care products, Renaissance culture

Download files

Citation rules

Suchecka, A. (2023). How to make the complexion beautiful? Care products according to Marcin of Urzędów. Kwartalnik Historii Kultury Materialnej, 71(2), 135–150. https://doi.org/10.23858/KHKM71.2023.2.001

Cited by / Share

Licence


This website uses cookies for proper operation, in order to use the portal fully you must accept cookies.