The medieval period stretching from the Dark Ages through the High

Middle Ages is both familiar and alien to the modern American. Examination of

the art and literature of the period can help the modern student to gain a fuller

appreciation of the life and people of those times. Such examination reveals that

there are both similarities among and differences between modern times and

In this paper, I discuss medieval art works found at the Metropolitan

Museum of Art and the Cloisters with descriptions of medieval life provided by

Chaucer in his Prologue to the Canterbury Tales. Many of the images found in

Chaucer's text are also found in the art works of the time. In addition, both the art

works and the literature illustrate certain elements of medieval life, such as the

important role of religion in both public and private life. This is one way that

medieval times are not very different than modern times.

The art works discussed in detail in this essay are: Tapestry with the

Annunciation, Aquamanile in the Form of a Mounted Knight, and Figures in a

Rose Garden found at the Metropolitan Museum and Five Worthies and

Attendant Figures and The Hours of Jeanne d'Evreux fo

Towns became larger and travel became more common following the

However, insights gained by walking through the relevant exhibits are also

were merely a private affair, church officials would not have so much power.

with a religious theme and many marginal illustrations. According to information

At the same time, the importance of religion in public life is also evident.

for the private quarters of a prominent individual, perhaps the French king

display at The Cloisters. The pages containing illustrations have a central picture

Even so, they are very realistic and lively, giving the sense of a diverse array of

Many of the works of art on display at the museums were originally

the times. This is consistent with Chaucer's prologue, which also illustrates the

people are identifiable primarily by their occupations and might be considered

voyage is a sign of intense personal religious devotion. Chaucer's mention of

Chaucer's Prologue illustrates many of the same points. The characters

effect is that of a diverse array of people, some of whom are working together and

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1073
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)