Sémiramis, une femme de tête (Le Livre du Voir Dit, v. 4819–4972)

Abstract

According to an anecdote reported by Guillaume de Machaut, Queen Semiramis, when interrupted during her toilette by a messenger announcing the rebellion of her subjects, refused to brush her hair any further until the political problem was resolved. The hairdo is thus elevated to the level of political barometer. The poet compares his lady to this exemplary woman, who combined physical beauty with political genius. A commemorative statue of Semiramis, with her hair half-brushed and half un-brushed, would then have been erected in her honor. Against all expectations, the scene is only illustrated in one manuscript in the National Library of France, that of the book by Jehan de Courcy, La Boucquechardière II, an adaptation of Orosius’ History, in which the historian stresses Seminaris’ lust. It is therefore difficult to deny the intimate link between the exhibition of unbrushed hair and exuberant sensuality. The Queen of the Assyrians appears as a woman proclaiming her feminity while assuming a masculine role. Closely related to the Amazons, she is a manifestation of the union of the military with the feminine, her hair becoming the standard of her femininity.