is one of the few Castilian
female writers of the 15th century. She is known mostly for her mastery of figurative language. Little is known about the exact date and location of her birth, but it is assumed that Pinar was an educated member of the upper class. This much can be deduced from the fact that she was one of the few female poets whose works were included in the 15th century Spanish poetic
songbook known as Cancionero general
. She also composed her poems in the Castilian dialect which was characteristic of the educated upper class of her time. Only four of her works are known to have been published, two of which were later attributed to the “dama” (lady) or “Señora” Florencia Pinar. Both of these titles connote a certain elevated level of social status.
Of the four works attributed to Pinar, "Canción de una dama que dice Florencia Pinar
" (Song by a Dame Called Florencia Pinar), "Glosa de Florencia
" (Florencia’s Gloss), "Cancion de Florencia Pinar
" (Song of Florencia Pinar), "and Otra canción de la misma señora a unas perdices que le enviaron vivas
" (Another Song of the Same Lady About Some Partridges Sent to Her Alive), the latter is the most well-known for its symbolism
and hidden themes:
Destas aves su nación These birds were born
Es contar con alegría, Singing for joy,
Y de vellas en prisión Such softness imprisoned
Siento yo grave......