This exhibition from the Getty Museum uses manuscripts to relate historical narratives from medieval France. Visitors to the site will find "dramatic depictions of moral dilemmas, valiant battles, and chivalrous derring-do", featuring a cast of characters including Hector of Troy, Alexander the Great, Emperor Charlemagne, and the Virgin Mary. Clicking on "See Art from the exhibition", found on the middle of the homepage, visitors will find For example, The Romance of Alexander, ca. 1290, which features a plate showing Alexander exploring underwater, in a diving capsule tied to the belly of a whale. Historical fiction author Steve Berry discusses this image in accompanying audio. There are also three books presented in great detail in the exhibit: Memorable Deeds and Sayings of the Romans (Koninlijke Bibliotheek, The Hague, Ms. 66 B 13); Concerning the Fates of Illustrious Men and Women (Getty Museum, Ms. 63); and Great Chronicles of France (Bibliotheque nationale de France, Ms. fr. 2813).
Comments