The aim of this thesis is to examine the meanings and functions of paradox in the late Renaissance. My understanding of Renaissance paradox, in contrast to that of most critics and historians, rests entirely on contemporary definitions of the term, rather than on its present-day meaning. Paradoxes as they are envisaged in this study begin to appear in the wake of the humanist rediscovery and dissemination of Cicero's <i>Paradoxa Stoicorum</i>. In this work, paradoxes are characterized as 'admirabilia contraque opinionem omnium', a definition that draws attention to two important traits of paradox, repeatedly invoked in the Renaissance: its association with wonder, and its opposition to common opinion. This thesis examines the history of classical paradox as it was revived, expanded beyond the narrow confines of Stoic ethics, and adapted to new purposes so successfully that it became a recognisable genre of polemical writing, with hundreds of works in Latin and the vernacular being described as paradoxes. Previous studies of Renaissance paradox have centred almost exclusively on its literary and vernacular manifestations, and on the paradoxical encomium in particular. My own work charts the rise to prominence and the ensuing transformations of paradox in a range of disciplines: rhetoric and ethics, theology, law, medicine, and natural philosophy. I compare the different associations that paradoxes acquire in all these areas, and the argumentative strategies that they deploy. My analysis of specific examples of paradox is informed by the methods of both literary analysis and intellectual history. Paradoxes, I argue, offered their authors the possibility of departing from established norms and of voicing novel views in a period of intellectual unrest. In their challenge to received and common opinion, they paved the way for more radical ideas in the following century, and they have much to tell us about dissident ways of thinking in the late Renaissance.

Anne de Bretagne a largement retenu l'attention des historiens et des historiens de l'art. Pourtant une approche globale de ses collections d'art restait à faire. L'examen de la constitution de ces collections a permis de mettre au jour l'importance des héritages ducal -de son père François II -et royal - de son premier époux Charles VIII -, et de mieux déterminer la part de ses propres commandes. Grâce à ces enrichissements successifs, Anne de Bretagne possédait d'extraordinaires collections d'art, parmi les plus riches du royaume. Les textiles, indispensables à l'ameublement des logis royaux, y tiennent une place considérable que ce soient les tissus d'ameublement ou les tentures historiées. Les arts de la table et l'orfèvrerie religieuse constituent une autre part importante de toutes collections princières médiévales. Anne de Bretagne sut aussi exprimer un goût plus personnel par son penchant pour les bijoux, les verres vénitiens ou la peinture. Cette étude s'attache aussi à replacer ces objets précieux dans leur contexte quotidien. Entre transports et mises en dépôt, leur vie était mouvementée, à l'instar de la cour itinérante dont ils constituaient le décor. L'examen de cet aspect permet de mieux appréhender le rapport qu'Anne entretenait avec ses collections. Les arts tenaient un rôle de premier plan dans l'affirmation du prince et Anne en eut bien conscience. Elle sollicita les artistes les plus réputés et se montra soucieuse de l'entretien de ses objets, Elle exprima aussi son attachement au duché breton en les entreposant au château de Nantes. Elle veillait enfin à l'exposition de ses plus belles pièces, notamment lors des grands événements de la vie de cour. / Anne of Brittany has received much attention from historians and art historians alike, and yet a comprehensive review of her art collections never been done. An examination of the composition of these collections helped to uncover the importance of both her ducal heritage -from her father Francis II-and her royal heritage -from Charles VIII. This examination also helped to better understand the importance of her own commissions and sponsorships. Through these successive endowments, Anne of Brittany amassed an extraordinary collection of art, among the richest in the kingdom. As an essential decor for the royal apartments, textiles hold an important place in these collections, whether it be silk fabric or tapestry. Tableware and religious gold work also represented an serious part of the collections, Furthermore, Anne own personal-taste is better expressed through be r affection for jewelry, Venetian glass and paintings. This study also sought to place these precious objects in their everyday context. Between placement, transport and storage, these pieces were in constant' movement as the backdrop to the itinerant court. The examination of this aspect provides further insight into the relationship between Anne and her collections, She was well aware that art held a prominent role in the affirmation of the Prince. She sought out the most renowned artists and appeared careful about the maintenance of their work. She also expressed her commitment to the duchy of Brittany by regularly storing her artwork in the castle of Nantes. Anne endeavored to exhibit her best pieces, particularly during major events of court life, again proving her dedication to the arts.