The Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design welcomes Amanda Luyster, College of the Holy Cross, as she presents a lecture titled Strange Gothic: Christian Bodies, Islamic Silks.
What did medieval England look like? At the height of the Gothic style in the thirteenth century, we imagine light pouring through stained glass, stone vaulted ceilings reaching high above us, and jewel-like paintings of Christ, Mary, and the saints above altars. Largely unknown to our imagination, however, are the striking Islamic and Byzantine silks worn by both ecclesiastics and the courtly elite who attended mass, weddings, and other ceremonial events in both secular and sacred Gothic spaces. Islamic and Byzantine silks’ saturated colors, gleaming texture, and rich patterns – which often portrayed lions, parrots, and mounted warriors – were not only tailored and worn on English bodies but were also regularly hung on walls, flanking altars, and covering floors. The regular and impressive presence of these imported silks impacted the visuality of Gothic space. In addition, their iconography also inspired local artists and art. This lecture will explore the presence, use, impact, and English perceptions about the origins of these imported silks in the heart of Britain.
This talk is made possible by the generous support of the Mary Ausplund Tooze Endowed Visiting Professor of Islamic & Ancient Art fund.