A Cultural History of Color in the Medieval Age

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A Cultural History of Color in the Medieval Age explores the vibrant use of color from 500 to 1400. This era experienced a remarkable proliferation of color in illuminated manuscripts, polychrome sculptures, architecture, and interiors, as well as in enamelled metalwork and colored glass. Color served as a marker of affiliation in heraldry and indicated social status in clothing. Various languages developed color names, which resonated in poetry, romances, epics, and plays. While medieval philosophers began to explain the rainbow, theologians and artists created a color symbolism representing virtues and vices. Color profoundly shapes individual experiences and influences how society assigns meaning to spaces, objects, and moments. This six-volume set delves into the creation, trade, use, and interpretation of color over 5,000 years. Each volume addresses themes such as color philosophy and science, technology and trade, power and identity, religion and ritual, body and clothing, language and psychology, literature and performing arts, art, architecture, and artifacts. Carole P. Biggam, an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow, and Kirsten Wolf, a Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, contribute their expertise to this comprehensive exploration of color in the medieval context. Volume 2 continues this in-depth examination.