Christine de Pisan, born Cristina da Pizzano (1364 – c. 1430), was a poet and author at the court of King Charles VI of France and several French dukes. Christine de Pisan was born in 1364 in Venice, Italy. In 1368 Christine moved to Paris. Christine de Pisan served as a court writer in medieval France after the death of her husband. Although Italian by birth, Christine expressed a fervent nationalism for France. Affectively and financially she became attached to the French royal family, donating or dedicating her early ballads to its members, including Isabeau of Bavaria, Louis I, Duke of Orléans, Philip the Bold, John the Fearless, and Marie of Berry. Of Queen Isabeau she wrote in 1402 “High, excellent crowned Queen of France, very redoubtable princess, powerful lady, born at a lucky hour”. Her best known works include The Book of the City of Ladies and The Treasure of the City of Ladies, both written when she worked for John the Fearless of Burgundy. Her books of advice to princesses, princes, and knights remained in print until the 16th century. Henry Shaw (1800-1873) was an English architectural draughtsman, engraver, illuminator, and antiquary. Shaw was born in London on 4 July 1800, and first developed his drawing. He was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1833. He died at Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, on 12 June 1873.

1843/Britain