Medieval Art of Love (Objects and Subjects of Desire): Spine or cover with flaws

Author: (English) Camille / Liu Riming
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The romantic love we understand today is actually an invention of the Middle Ages. Since the 12th century, poets and artists have developed numerous concepts about love and established a relationship in desire where women are objects and men are subjects. The 150 precious and little-known artworks presented in this book are all from Europe between the 13th and late 15th centuries. These vivid scenes and exquisite objects taught men and women of the time the "art" of love. These textiles, dental carvings, hand-painted ornaments, jewelry boxes, jewelry, and belts do not so much reflect the ripples of medieval life as they participate in and create the profound and mysterious moments of life. When given as gifts and tokens, they were closely tied to the owners' bodies. Through an analysis of these artworks, the authors examine the symbolic meaning and social context of medieval love, revealing the myths and contradictions at the core of the social code of love, exploring the secular erotic desires awakened by religious objects of desire—from gaze, conversation, touch, to kiss, to the ultimate intoxication. Medieval love, in many ways, appears so direct, passionate, and beyond our imagination. This book provides readers with a vivid portrayal of the history of medieval love.