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Medieval bestiaries contained anywhere from a few dozen to more than a hundred descriptions of animals, each accompanied by an iconic image. Some descriptions explained a creature’s Christian significance, such as the unicorn as a symbol for Christ, while others focused on physical characteristics.
18 wrz 2024 · Throughout the Middle Ages, scholars created illuminated manuscripts called bestiaries — encyclopedias used to document various beasts’ natural history. These volumes contained lavish illustrations of both real and mythical beasts, often accompanied by moral and religious lessons.
Animals, both real and fantastic, occupied an important place in medieval art and thought. Artists readily employed animal motifs, along with foliate designs, as part of their decorative vocabulary. Early medieval jewelry, for instance, abounds with animal forms elongated and twisted into intricate patterns (1992.59.1).
30 mar 2023 · Based on the wealth of the MEV’s collections, this exhibition illustrates different aspects, modalities and intentions of the abundant presence of animals in medieval art, bringing us closer to the way of thinking and living of men and women of the Middle Ages.
Explore the use of animals as symbols in medieval art with viewing questions and a group drawing activity at The Met Cloisters or in the classroom.
Animals tumble, soar, and race through the pages of the bestiary, a popular type of medieval book describing the beasts of the world. Abounding with vibrant and fascinating images, the bestiary brought real and fantastical creatures to life for readers.
28 sty 2022 · Medieval art abounds in animals, both real and imaginary. Common creatures such as lions, birds, and monkeys appear beside fantastical dragons , griffins, centaurs, unicorns, and grotesques. They occur everywhere from large sculptures on Gothic cathedrals to tiny patterns in luxury textiles.
