The Latin Poems of Margareta van Godewijck (1627-1677)

Abstract

This contribution presents the editio princeps of all extant Latin poems written by the Dutch poet Margareta van Godewijck from Dordrecht. In order to increase the accessibility of these hitherto unpublished texts, the edition is preceded by an extensive preparatory analysis of previous biographical sources and accounts of how her poems were received. These will illustrate the need for the present study. There follow an evaluation of her Latin poems with regard to both form and content and a discussion of her Latinity, textual interaction with other Neo-Latin poets, and the literary merits of her work. It is argued that her Latin poetry had a clear social and performative function and can best be considered within the context of student composition. Finally, an account of the trajectories of the two surviving autographs and an explanation of the editorial principles prepare the reader for the critical edition.