"The middle ages did not care much for alphabetical order, because they were committed to rational order. To the medieval mind, the universe [is] a harmonious whole whose parts are related to one another. It was the responsibility of the author or scholar to discern these rational relationships -- of hierarchy, or of chronology, or of similarities and differences, and so forth." -Matthew Battles
Medieval Art
These works of art demonstrate the continues use of the bird throughout the Medieval period. Although many depictions of birds during this time were intended for religious purposes, while other depictions were used for decorative purposes. Whether of a holy value or just for show, all depictions of this creature are considered to obtain a great symbolic value, displaying the continued use of the representational aspect of art.
From the early Medieval period, this Byzantine mosaic titled Bird and Flowers was created around the 6th Century AD, and is currently on display in the Byzantine Museum of Thessaloniki.
The Girona Tapestry or The Tapestry of Creation may have been one of the most important works of art from the Medieval era. Dating back to the 12th century, this work of art depicts biblical character Adam naming all of the animals, and is currently on display in the Museum of the Cathedral of Girona.
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This work of art titled Apothecary Jar depicts a crane surrounded by oak-leaf foliage, and most likely was used in the pharmacy of Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, one of Italy's oldest hospitals
(https://www.metmuseum.org/). This jar was likely presumably by Giunta de Tugio around 1431 AD, and is currently located in the Robert Lehman Collection. |
Dating back to the 12th Century AD, this Medieval period work of art is a fragment of a mosaic from the apse of the Church of San Clemente Located in Rome. Likely created by Masolino de Pinacale, this symbolic religious artwork is titled Apse Mosaic at Sam Clemente, and depicts Jesus on the cross surrounded by a number of white doves.
This illuminated piece of art titled Cranes was found in a Medieval bestiary from England, and dates back to the first quarter of the 13th century AD. It is currently located in the British Library.
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