How medieval tapestries reveal our enduring, complex relationship with the natural world

Earth Day Talk at The Met Cloisters—Where the Wild Folk Are: Imagining Nature in the Medieval World · 56:13 · Video: The Met · Watch at the source

In short: Curators Elizabeth Dospěl Williams and Shirin Fozi examine a medieval tapestry featuring lush landscapes, mythical creatures, and wild figures. This discussion explores how historical art reflects human imagination and our connection to nature, offering a fresh perspective on these themes in honor of Earth Day.

The conversation centers on a specific tapestry that serves as a bridge between medieval perceptions of the environment and modern environmental consciousness. By analyzing the depiction of wild people alongside fantastical beasts and dense vegetation, the curators unpack the symbolic role nature played in the medieval imagination.

This exploration highlights how art has long been a medium for processing our place within the natural order. By revisiting these medieval motifs, the talk invites viewers to consider how the intersection of human artifice and the wild remains a vital, ongoing dialogue in the contemporary world.

Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.

Sources

To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/ideas-earth-day-talk-at-the-met-cloisters-where-the-wild-folk-are-.

How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

Finding something worth knowing…