Page 80 - SUMMARIES OF GIOVANNI BOCCACCIO’S DECAMEON : A Visionary Journey In 100 Stories And 100 Etchings By Petru Russu

Gillette of Narbonne and Bertrand of Roussillon

This novella tells the extraordinary tale of Gillette, a woman of
intelligence, virtue, and unwavering determination, who overcomes

societal obstacles and unrequited love to claim her place alongside
Bertrand of Roussillon. Themes of love, resilience, and identity
underscore this story.

Gillette, the daughter of a respected physician in Narbonne, secretly
loves Bertrand, a nobleman of higher social standing. When Bertrand’s

father passes away, Bertrand leaves for court, disinterested in the
devoted Gillette. Fate intervenes when the King of France falls gravely
ill with a fistula that no physician can cure.

Drawing on her father’s teachings, Gillette heals the King, and as her

reward, she asks to marry Bertrand. Though reluctant, Bertrand complies
with the King’s command and weds her, only to abandon her immediately
after, fleeing to Florence to escape a marriage he does not want.

Undeterred, Gillette disguises herself and follows Bertrand to Florence,

where she learns of his courtship of another woman. Using her wit,
Gillette arranges to take the woman’s place in secret, spending the
night with Bertrand. As proof, she fulfills his impossible conditions:

bearing his ring and carrying his child.
FRAMED IN FLORAL GEOMETRY

AND VEILED SYMBOLISM, THE
ETCHING MIRRORS GILLETTE’S Gillette returns home, her mission accomplished. When Bertrand
QUIET RESILIENCE, HER learns of her actions and the birth of their twin sons, he is overcome
TRANSFORMATION FROM
with remorse and admiration. He publicly acknowledges her as his
HEALER TO BELOVED UNFOLDING
IN CHROMATIC WHISPERS OF wife, and their union grows into a true partnership founded on mutual
AGENCY AND EARNED DEVOTION. respect and love.
DECAMERON 78 79