Jefimija (Euphemia) | |
|---|---|
| Native name | Jelena Mrnjavčević |
| Occupation | Nun |
| Nationality | Medieval Serbian |
| Years active | 14th century |
| Notable works | Royal doors curtain of Hilandar; covering of Prince Lazar's Ark |
| Spouse | Uglješa Mrnjavčević |
| Relatives | Vojihna (father) |
Jefimija (Serbian Cyrillic: Јефимија, Serbian pronunciation: [jěfiːmija]; 1349–1405), secular name Jelena Mrnjavčević (Serbian Cyrillic: Јелена Мрњавчевић, Serbian pronunciation: [jělena mr̩̂ɲaːʋtʃeʋitɕ] or [mr̩ɲǎːʋ-]), daughter of Vojihna and widow of Jovan Uglješa Mrnjavčević, is considered the first female Serbian poet. Her Lament for a Dead Son and Encomium of Prince Lazar are famous in the canon of medieval Serbian literature.[1][2]
Jefimija was also as a skilled needlewoman and engraver. Her lament for her beloved son was carved on the back of the diptych, (two-panelled icon representing a virgin and Child) which Teodosije, Bishop of Serres, had presented as a gift to the infant Uglješa at his baptism. The piece of art has Jefemija's lament engraved on its back.[3]
Encomium of Prince Lazar
embroidered cross standard
embroidered iconography
Poem
Legacy
She is included in The 100 most prominent Serbs.
See also
References
- ↑ Gavrilović 2006, pp. 78–79.
- ↑ Hawkesworth, Celia (2000). Voices in the Shadows: Women and Verbal Art in Serbia and Bosnia. Central European University Press. p. 80.
- ↑ Pavlikianov, Cyril (2001). The Medieval Aristocracy on Mount Athos: Philological and Documentary Evidence for the Activity of Byzantine, Georgian and Slav Aristocrats and Eminent Churchmen in the Monasteries of Mount Athos from the 10th to the 15th Century. Sofia: Center for Slavo-Byzantine Studies. ISBN 9789540715957.
Sources
- Ćirković, Sima (2004). The Serbs. Malden: Blackwell Publishing.
- Gavrilović, Zaga (2006). "Women in Serbian politics, diplomacy and art at the beginning of Ottoman rule". In Jeffreys, Elizabeth M. (ed.). Byzantine Style, Religion and Civilization: In Honour of Sir Steven Runciman. Cambridge University Press. pp. 72–90.
- Pavlikianov, Cyril (2001). The Medieval Aristocracy on Mount Athos: Philological and Documentary Evidence for the Activity of Byzantine, Georgian and Slav Aristocrats and Eminent Churchmen in the Monasteries of Mount Athos from the 10th to the 15th Century. Sofia: Center for Slavo-Byzantine Studies.
