Medieval Art and Architecture
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A Guide to Gothic Architecture
Gothic (and Gothic-style) abound in church architecture around the world. But what exactly are its characteristics? Learn the stylistic attributes and historical context of Gothic architecture.
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Gargoyles and Grotesques of Chartres Cathedral
This grotesque is on the west portal of Chartres Cathedral – among the grandest and most famous of all French Gothic churches. While its close cousin in Paris is famous for its gargoyles, Chartres is celebrated for its beautiful stained glass and profuse sculptural decoration. Much of this sculptural work is clustered around its nine arched doors (portals);…
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More Gargoyle and Grotesques of Notre Dame de Paris
Today’s grotesque is a true classic. The gargoyles of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris are neither the oldest nor the most interesting of their kind, but they have certainly become the most famous. The interior and exterior of this church, which was a major milestone in the history of Gothic architecture, were both rather creatively restored by Gothic Revival proponent…
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The Office of the Dead – Day 31
The Office of the Dead was a section of funerary prayers in the book of hours. It could be accompanied by some pretty spooky and fantastic images.
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Apocalypse Manuscripts – Day 30
Apocalypse manuscripts concern the Book of Revelation. All this apocalyptic subject matter provided plenty of opportunities for vivid illustrations.
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Alchemical Manuscripts – Day 29
Alchemy may be pretty dead today, but in the Middle Ages, it was synonymous with science. Find out about illuminated manuscripts related to alchemy.
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Where to Enjoy Manuscripts Online – Day 28
In this post, you’ll discover some places to browse medieval illuminated manuscripts online, including fully-digitized manuscripts from around the world.
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The Hours of Catherine of Cleves – Day 27
The Hours of Catherine of Cleves is a book of hours that’s supposedly the greatest Dutch illuminated manuscript ever. It’s now at the Morgan Library in NY.
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The Morgan Library Crusader Bible – Day 26
The Morgan Library Crusader Bible is a medieval illuminated Bible with tons and tons of illustrations. See some of them in this post.
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Lapidaries – Day 25
Lapidaries are medieval manuscripts about gemstones and other minerals, which were believed to have all kinds of meanings and significances.
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Weird Manuscripts – Day 24
Discover a selection of noteworthy medieval illuminated manuscripts with unusual shapes, strange imagery, and more.
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Heart-Shaped Books – Day 23
Browse a selection of cordiform books (medieval illuminated manuscripts shaped like hearts) in this wildly-popular post.
