Why medieval ivory caskets often featured Aristotle being ridden like a horse
In short: Curator Naomi Speakman explores the elaborate Gothic ivory caskets that once held precious medieval manuscripts and jewelry. These objects served as vessels for intricate storytelling, featuring mythical characters in surprising, unfamiliar scenarios that challenge our modern understanding of medieval lore.
These Gothic ivory caskets are densely decorated with scenes from medieval mythology. While many of the figures depicted may be obscure to contemporary viewers, the caskets also feature recognizable historical and legendary icons placed in unexpected contexts.
A notable example highlighted by Speakman is the philosopher Aristotle, who is depicted being saddled and ridden like a beast of burden. This imagery reflects the complex and often whimsical ways medieval artisans integrated cultural narratives into functional objects.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: A 'Greatest Hits' of medieval myths on a casket | Gothic Ivories 1 | Curator's Corner S7 Ep4
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