How to Read Medieval Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art - How to Read

by Wendy A. Stein

An enlightening, accessible guide to understanding and appreciating European art from the Middle Ages

How to Read Medieval Art introduces the art of the European Middle Ages through 50 notable examples from the Metropolitan Museum’s collection, which is one of the most comprehensive in the world.  This handsomely illustrated volume includes multi-panel altarpieces, stained glass windows, wooden sculpture, as well as manuscript illuminations, and features iconic masterworks such as the Merode Altarpiece, Unicorn Tapestries, and The Belles Heures of Jean de France, duc de Berry.
 
Formal explorations of individual works, chosen to exemplify key ideas crucial to understanding medieval art, are accompanied by relevant information about the context in which they were created, conveying the works’ visual nuances but also their broader symbolic meaning.  Superb color illustrations further reveal the visual and conceptual richness of medieval art, providing the reader with a deeper understanding of the history and iconography of this pivotal era.

Published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art / Distributed by Yale University Press

Genres: Art, Medieval, Art History, Nonfiction, Religion, History, Medieval History

136 pages, Paperback

Published October 25, 2016

Reviews

[moosisai]

dont mind me lis yritamas oma pildianalyysi teha, AGAA

kurb kurb kurb, et see oli väga reliikviale ja pühapiltidele-skulptuuridele keskendunud
seega nagu lihtsalt keskaja üleyldisesse nö "muuseumikunsti" hea sissejuhatus, aga kui on juba mingid eelteadmised ja spetsiifilisem huvi/ uurimus siis jääb väheseks sellest raamatust :////

peax ss ekspert nyyd olema võiiii

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice introduction to medieval art, with lots of illustrations of art in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This is an introduction, not a comprehensive survey, with sections on the Hebrew Bible in medieval art; portraits of Mary, the mother of Jesus; the crucifixion; saints; and secular themes. The discussions of individual pieces generally expand upon information that can be found on the Met Museum website. This book allows readers to dip their toes in the subject. If they want to go further, the book includes a page of recommended reading related to medieval art, especially regarding the themes covered in this volume.

[Kristian Giddelo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A ok book when you are looking for a specific relic or totaly new to the subject.
If you are experienced it is to general to keep you interested.

[Sam Funez · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

[Boris · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent companion to visiting the Met and its terrific Cloisters annex. The illustrations are so good and detailed that in the case of a few items it is easier to examine them on page than by looking at the real thing behind the glass. The emphasis is definitely on the Christian symbology -- not so much on the esthetics and the technique -- but there are plenty of other books that focus on that.

[Francisco Vazquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice coffee table book describing some of the most iconic pieces at the Met and the Cloisters in New York
I’m not sure that the contents of the book match with its title, which is why I’m deducting one star
This is still a very good read, regardless

[Jazz Fiore · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this for a class as an art history minor for my survey of medieval art class, it was SUPER helpful in understanding the material better. wendy does a great job of describing the time period. one star off bc i had to read it for a class 3

[Edna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was so well done...Good pictures - good history...worth your time.

[Rochelle Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and informative for curious beginners. Will enrich my future travels in Europe.

[Ludvig Rakeng Mpagi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t read this book, just marked it for the yearly challenge. The book I read was "The medieval Scandinavian art reader" by Margrethe C. Stang and Laura Tillery🖼️

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

pictura est laicorum literatura

[Holly Denson-Camp · Rating 3 out of 5]

side quest lol

[legolasik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro for those who are new to medieval art. You'll also get your Bible facts in order.

[John W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A first class introduction to medieval art.