Medieval Europe

Medieval Europe is a current temporary exhibit at the Canadian Museum of History, running until January 20th, 2019. I took the exhibit in one day. Many of the artifacts are on loan from the British Museum, with other sources here and there such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as Canadian institutions. The exhibit explores the history and culture of the continent between the fall of the Roman empire and the Reformation era. The first item one sees is this Spanish processional cross, circa 1330-1350. 

An introductory panel on the era is beside the entrance.

Within, thematic panels introduce the visitor to specific areas that include artifacts from across the continent.

These are Anglo-Saxon brooches, made of materials like copper, silver, and glass, found in various parts of England and dating back to between 400 and 600 AD.

This is a replica of the original seal impression, for England's King Henry III. The replica was done in the 19th century, many hundreds of years after Henry's tumultuous reign.

The emerging European states around the year 1500 can be seen here. Things have changed considerably over time.

These are papal rings, not of popes themselves, but of advisors. Both date to the 15th century, and are thought to belong to close advisors of Pope Eugene IV and Pope Pius II. 

Here we have a hand coloured woodcut from France, done at some point in the 15th century. It depicts the departure of the Roman Emperor Vespasian and his son Titus from Jerusalem after the destruction of the city in 70 AD. 

This is an engraving from the Netherlands, dating circa 1475-1488. It depicts the Old Testament King Solomon making his ruling in the case of two women claiming one baby, while presenting the Biblical story in period Dutch clothing.

This 1813 sketch on paper depicts an effigy of King John at Worcester Cathedral. When the king died in 1216, he had wished to be buried there. The tomb effigy itself was completed sixteen years later. I have more from this visit to come over the next few days.