Lost Medieval Painting Rediscovered at Hexham Abbey
Hexham Abbey in northern England has unveiled a lost medieval painting, thought to be part of the Dance of Death, using advanced imaging technology.
Medieval Scholar Called Out the Shroud of Turin as a Fake, Study Finds
A new study reveals that Nicole Oresme, one of the great minds of fourteenth-century France, denounced the Shroud of Turin as a fake decades before its famous 1389 controversy. His writings highlight both medieval skepticism and clerical deception.
Faith Tibble and the Crown of Thorns: Rethinking a Medieval Icon
Faith Tibble’s new book, The Crown of Thorns: Humble Gods and Humiliated Kings, challenges centuries of assumptions about one of Christianity’s most iconic symbols. Drawing on meticulous research and a storyteller’s touch, she invites readers to look again at the medieval art they thought they knew.
New Medieval Books: Images of Thomas Becket in the Middle Ages and Beyond
When Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170, he was instantly transformed into one of the most prominent figures in medieval Christianity. His image spread widely across Europe, appearing in manuscripts, sculptures, stained glass windows, and other forms of material culture. This book brings together 11 essays that explore how Becket was represented, remembered, and venerated through these visual and physical media.
Marked by Faith: Tattoos and the Christian Body in the Middle Ages
Tattoos in the Middle Ages? While often associated with criminals or pagans, these marks on the skin could also signal Christian devotion, sacred journeys, and personal identity in unexpected ways.
The Hours of Jean de Montauban: Apocrypha and Devotion in a Medieval Manuscript
Discover how a 15th-century Book of Hours uses vivid imagery from the Vita Adae et Evae to explore apocryphal stories of Adam and Eve, spiritual struggle, and medieval views on sin and redemption.
Renaissance Fresco Restored in Italy
A rarely seen Renaissance fresco by Beato Angelico has been restored at the Convent of San Domenico in Fiesole, near Florence. The Crucifixion scene reveals new insights into the artist’s early work.
15th-century Florentine Masterpiece to be Restored
Piero del Pollaiolo’s ‘Saint Michael the Archangel Defeating the Dragon’ will undergo conservation at the Bardini Museum
National Gallery Acquires Mysterious Northern Renaissance Masterpiece
The National Gallery has acquired a mysterious and richly detailed Northern Renaissance altarpiece from around 1510. Featuring saints, angels, dragons, and eccentric iconography, the anonymous masterpiece has not been seen publicly since 1960.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About the Crown of Thorns
Discover five surprising facts about the Crown of Thorns, from its origins as a leafy wreath to its role in medieval kingship and Christian art.
Lost for Decades, a Medieval Madonna and Child Returns in Stunning Restoration
A 15th-century stucco Madonna and Child, hidden for over 70 years, has undergone a dramatic restoration in Florence. Once discoloured and forgotten, the sculpture now reveals its original colours and exquisite detail.
Tudor Wall Paintings Uncovered in Northern England Lodge
Rare 16th-century wall paintings have been uncovered at The Ashes, a former Tudor hunting lodge located in what was once Inglewood Forest, near…
Digital Technology Helps Solve a 12th-Century Mystery: Which of Barisanus of Trani’s Bronze Doors Came First?
A team of researchers has used cutting-edge scientific tools to help solve a long-standing mystery in medieval art history: the chronological order of the monumental bronze doors created by the 12th-century artisan Barisanus of Trani.
The Angel of Le Lude: The Middle Ages’ Largest Bronze Statue
The Angel of Le Lude is a remarkable sculpture bridging the gap between medieval artistry and early Renaissance innovation. Created in 1475 by Jean Barbet, a master bronze founder from Lyon, this monumental work stands at 110 cm tall and is the largest known bronze statue of the Middle Ages.
Laughing at Evil: The Hidden Purpose of Gargoyles
Gargoyles aren’t just eerie stone figures—they were medieval weapons against evil, using fear, satire, and mockery to protect both buildings and beliefs.
Hidden in Plain Sight: A Medieval Fresco Shows Islamic Tents Used in Christian Churches
A forgotten fresco in an Italian church has revealed a surprising medieval practice—Islamic tents were used to cover Christian altars. The 13th-century fresco, recently rediscovered in Ferrara, Italy, is believed to be the only known depiction of this tradition, shedding new light on the connections between Christian and Islamic artistic influences in medieval Europe.
Why Is Saint Maurice Depicted as African? Seven Medieval Theories
Why does a 13th-century German statue depict Saint Maurice with African features? This article explores seven medieval theories, from linguistic associations to imperial propaganda, that shaped his striking portrayal in medieval art.
The Magi and Crusader Kings: Symbols of Faith and Power
What do the Three Wise Men and the Crusades have in common? Discover how medieval kings, knights, and emperors drew inspiration from the Magi’s journey, transforming their relics and symbolism into a powerful testament of faith, humility, and sacrifice.
New Medieval Books: Giants in the Medieval City
In the Late Middle Ages, particularly in German-speaking lands, the perception of giants underwent a notable transformation—from monstrous and malevolent figures to noble and heroic ones. This book explores numerous examples where giants, and those considered “gigantic,” evolved into celebrated hometown heroes.
Portrait of the Last Byzantine Emperor Discovered
Archaeologists in southern Greece have discovered a unique portrait of the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, hidden within a layer of frescoes dating to the mid-15th century.
A Window into the Middle Ages: The Sketchbook of Villard de Honnecourt
Rediscovered in the 19th century, the sketchbook of Villard de Honnecourt quickly captivated historians and art enthusiasts as one of the most fascinating…
Centaurs vs. Sirens: A Medieval Showdown
What do a half-man, half-horse archer and a seductive half-fish siren have in common? In medieval art, they engage in an eternal struggle, symbolising the battle between vice and virtue.
Reviving a Medieval Masterpiece: Donatello’s Gattamelata Restoration Begins
Donatello’s iconic equestrian statue of Gattamelata, a pioneering medieval masterpiece, has just begun a long-awaited restoration in Padua. Supported by international organizations, this project aims to preserve the statue’s beauty and structural integrity for future generations.
New Medieval Books: Lumen: The Art and Science of Light
This book, featuring a dozen essays and over a hundred images, illuminates the significance of light in the Middle Ages. From scientific studies on optics to the ways sunlight filled churches, medieval society harnessed light in stunning and inventive ways.
