During my research I have come across a book by Umberto Eco Art and Beauty in the middle ages, to which I found an amusing quote by Gilbert of Hoylands sermones in canticum salomonis, on details of femine beauty;
“The breasts are most pleasing when they are of moderate size and eminence…. they should be bound but not flattened, restrained with gentleness but not given too much licence.”
The same Gilbert of Hoyland who had such definite opinions on women’s breasts, advised his monks to practice restraint, much as woman restrain their breasts!!
Gilbert of Hoyland(11?-1172) was the 12th century abbot of Swinehead Abbey.
Back to the print room for me, here are some images !
