Middle Ages in ARt and Literature
The Middle Ages in Art and LiteratureThe medieval period stretching from the Dark Ages through the HighMiddle Ages is both familiar and alien to the modern American. Examination ofthe art and literature of the period can help the modern student to gain a fullerappreciation of the life and people of those times. Such examination reveals thatthere are both similarities among and differences between modern times andIn this paper, I discuss medieval art works found at the MetropolitanMuseum of Art and the Cloisters with descriptions of medieval life provided byChaucer in his Prologue to the Canterbury Tales. Many of the images found inChaucer's text are also found in the art works of the time. In addition, both the artworks and the literature illustrate certain elements of medieval life, such as theimportant role of religion in both public and private life. This is one way thatmedieval times are not very different than modern times.The art works discussed in detail in this essay are: Tapestry with theAnnunciation, Aquamanile in the Form of a Mounted Knight, and Figures in aRose Garden found at the Metropolitan Museum and Five Worthies andAttendant Figures and The Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux fo
Even the 'worthies' of times past are presented withthe kinds of attendants as had by persons of high status in the middle ages. However, insights gained by walking through the relevant exhibits are alsodiscussed. Portions of the manuscript are ondisplay at The Cloisters. The fact that priests chose to use a depictionof a knight as a vessel for religious purposes illustrates the fact that there waslittle differentiation between church and state at the time. The times were changing rapidly then, as they are now. Undertaking such avoyage is a sign of intense personal religious devotion. If religionwere merely a private affair, church officials would not have so much power. People of different types had tolearn to live together and tolerate one another. They are identified primarily by their occupations. Religion played a large role in both public and private life, as it does today. The Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux is an illuminated manuscript of a prayerbook. In fact, most of the art and artifacts on display have religious themes. Many of the works of art on display at the museums were originallyprivate items for household use. Chaucer's mention ofprayer beads and other signs of devotion in private life adds emphasis to thisinsight.
Common topics in this essay:
Canterbury Tales,
Summoner Pardoner,
Museum Cloisters,
Chaucer's Prologue,
Dark Ages,
Tapestry Annunciation,
Museum Art,
American Examination,
Rose Garden,
Attendant Figures,
religion public,
private life,
middle ages,
importance religion,
public private life,
public private,
religion public private,
metropolitan museum,
importance religion public,
chaucer's prologue,
art literature,
rose garden,
five worthies attendant,
figures rose garden,
attendant figures,
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Acceptance Essays
