This abundantly illustrated book is an illuminating exploration of the
impact of medieval imagery on three hundred years of visual culture.
From the soaring castles of Sleeping Beauty to the bloody battles of
Game of Thrones, from Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings to
mythical beasts in Dungeons & Dragons, and from Medieval Times to the
Renaissance Faire, the Middle Ages have inspired artists, playwrights,
filmmakers, gamers, and writers for centuries. Indeed, no other
historical era has captured the imaginations of so many creators.
This volume aims to uncover the many reasons why the Middle Ages have
proven so applicable to a variety of modern moments from the eighteenth
through the twenty-first century. These "medieval" worlds are often the
perfect ground for exploring contemporary cultural concerns and
anxieties, saying much more about the time and place in which they were
created than they do about the actual conditions of the medieval period.
With over 140 color illustrations, from sources ranging from
thirteenth-century illuminated manuscripts to contemporary films and
video games, and a preface by Game of Thrones costume designer Michele
Clapton, The Fantasy of the Middle Ages will surprise and delight both
enthusiasts and scholars.
This title is published to accompany an exhibition on view at the J.
Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center from June 21 to September 11,
2022.
