MEDIEVAL ART

Artwork from the medieval period of history portrays the countryside, wildlife and court and village life in rich and colourful detail. Animals, birds, flowers and insects were an integral part of medieval art, and were used in profusion to decorate manuscript borders and tapestries. There was a fascination with exotic and mythical creatures, and hunt scenes show an improbable mix of these creatures, which all had symbolic meanings in art and literature. Plants and insects were also imbued with a strong symbolism.  Illuminated manuscripts from the period are adorned with miniature pictures, elaborate gilded initial letters, and borders and margins filled with a profusion of natural and symbolic elements, all executed in perfect detail and wonderful colour.