Born: 1569, United Kingdom
Died: 1 April 1645
Country most active: United Kingdom
Also known as: Amelia Bassano, Aemilia Lanyer
The following bio was written by Emma Rosen, author of On This Day She Made History: 366 Days With Women Who Shaped the World and This Day In Human Ingenuity & Discovery: 366 Days of Scientific Milestones with Women in the Spotlight, and has been republished with permission.
Emilia Lanier (Aemilia Bassano) was a pioneering English poet known for her groundbreaking work, “Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum,” published in 1611. Emilia Lanier was the first woman in England to establish herself as a professional poet when female authors were a rarity in the literary world.
Emilia Lanier’s “Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum” marked a significant milestone in English literature as the first substantial collection of original poetry by an Englishwoman. Notably, it is considered one of the earliest works with feminist undertones in England. The title poem, “Salve Deus Rex Judaeorum,” which portrays the Crucifixion of Christ from a woman’s perspective, underscores this feminist theme.
Lanier’s poems not only celebrate female virtues and Christian piety but also desire a more egalitarian society. Her narrative poem, consisting of over 200 stanzas, humorously retells the story of Christ’s passion primarily through the eyes of the women who surrounded Him. The title, derived from mocking words directed at Jesus on the Cross, symbolizes her unique perspective.
Emilia Lanier also defended Eve and women in general, arguing against the traditional blame placed on Eve for Original Sin. She asserted that Adam should share the guilt, as the Bible portrayed him as stronger and equally capable of resisting temptation. Lanier praised the dedication of Christ’s female followers, who remained with Him through the Crucifixion and were the first to seek Him after His burial and Resurrection.
Emilia Lanier’s literary contributions and her early advocacy for women’s perspectives in literature have left an indelible mark on English literature. She passed away in 1645.
IW note: It is a matter of debate whether Lanier came from Jewish heritage, though she was baptised and wrote extensively on Christian themes.