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Animals in Medieval Art

by Kezins

Animals played an extremely important role in medieval art. Animals played a very heavy symbolic role throughout the period in nearly every area. Animals still play an extremely large role in modern day art, but they seem to have taken on a more literal form in most cases. I have inserted a quote from the source below. You will also find various examples of animals in medieval art after the quote. Feel free to discuss any of the images or the topic in general in the comments section. Please enjoy.

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 (Bow Brooch, 55.56; Round Box Brooch, 1992.59.1). Deluxe Bibles and gospel books often make use of animal designs to enliven the sacred text (Initial V from a Bible, 1999.364.2; Incipit Page to the Gospel of John, 38.171.2). Animal forms might be employed to imbue utilitarian objects with majesty (Lion Aquamanile, 1994.244) or even humor (Bowl with Fish, 2000.322).

h2_1994244.jpg
Lion Aquamanile, ca. 1400
German; Made in Nuremberg
Latten alloy; 13 1/8 x 4 3/4 in. (33.3 x 12.1 cm)
The Cloisters Collection, 1994 (1994.244)

h2_1991308.jpg
Brooch in the Form of a Bird of Prey, 500–600
Vendel; made in Scandinavia
Copper alloy with silver overlay; L. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm)
Purchase, Leon Levy and Shelby White Gift, Rogers Fund and funds from various donors, 1991 (1991.308)

h2_198631-15.jpg
The Attarouthi Treasure, 500–650
Byzantine; From Attarouthi, Syria
Silver and silver with gilding; varying dimensions
Purchase, Rogers Fund, and Henry J. and Drue E. Heinz Foundation, Norbert Schimmel and Lila Acheson Wallace Gifts, 1986 (1986.3.1-15)

h2_17190344.jpg
Eucharistic Dove, ca. 1215–1235
French; Made in Limoges
Gilded copper with champlevé enamel; 7 1/2 x 8 1/16 in. (19 x 20.5 cm)
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917 (17.190.344)

h2_1719038.jpg
Plaque with Agnus Dei and Four Evangelists, probably 9th century
German or North Italian
Ivory; 9 1/4 x 5 3/8 in. (23.5 x 13.7 cm)
Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917 (17.190.38)

[Via Met Museum]

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Posted in General, Late Antiquity, Medieval Art on May 16th, 2007

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