Description: The medieval cathedral was a teaching instrument whose lessons were conveyed through the stories told in its stone sculpture and stained glass windows. Everything important to know was contained therein -- the history of the world from the Creation, the dogmas of religion, the examples of the saints, the hierarchy of the virtues, and more. Over the centuries, however, the true meaning of medieval art has become obscure. This classic work, originally published almost 90 years ago, was written to clarify and illuminate the original ideas and concepts behind the religious art of the Middle Ages. It remains unsurpassed in its style and brilliant synthesis of the many disparate elements of medieval religious art. Focusing on the 13th century as the apotheosis of the medieval style, noted art historian Emile Male demonstrates that the decorative features of French cathedrals were testimony to the fact that "conviction and faith pervade the cathedral from end to end". Topics discussed include medieval iconography, bestiaries, illustrated calendars, representations of the virtues and vices, symbolic windows, saints, the gospels, secular history, and much more.

Please Wait