Souls saved from the jaws of hell, a tame unicorn, and more.
1400 - 1500 (Renaissance)
videos + essays
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Jean Fouquet, Madonna Surrounded by Seraphim and Cherubim, Melun Diptych
Fouquet celebrates the beauty of Mary as the Queen of Heaven.
Martin Schongauer, Madonna of the Rose Bower
Schongauer paints an intimate scene of Mary and the Christ child surrounded by symbolic details—roses, strawberries, and goldfinches.
Christine de Pizan and a City of Ladies
Christine de Pizan was an author and intellectual and wasn't afraid to show the strength of women in the early 15th century.
Enguerrand Quarton(?), Pietà of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon
This panel has one foot in the medieval tradition, but Christ’s body and the cleric’s face point to a new realism.
The Harrowing of Hell
Straight from the monster’s mouth! Christ leads the way as Adam and Eve escape the jaws of Hell.
Michael Pacher, Saint Wolfgang Altarpiece
This “total work of art” unites sculpture, painting, and architecture—and connects real space to a visionary realm.
The Unicorn Tapestries
This is a creature so pure it can’t be caught—maybe that’s why the meaning of the tapestry eludes us.
