Medieval Art is Making a Comeback

I think that my predilection for all things medieval is rubbing off on M., The Dulcinea's youngest. This came home from school earlier this week:


(Untitled by M.T., 2008)

See the broad crayon strokes and the thick layers of wax - very reminiscent of Vincent van Gogh's style. Notice that the "Ye Old Stable" is outside of the castle rather than inside as it would have been during The Middle Ages. This symbolizes the Christian idea that Man was created in God's image, that we stand above the beasts and outside of nature. Indeed, the horses themselves are very indistinct - almost impressionistic. Yet the artist also recognizes that, despite being descended from God, post-lapsarian life is a trial. He does this by portraying one of the spires as "incomplete", that is, it does not touch the ground and is instead supported by crossbeams. Very impressive for a 9-year old.

The piece is currently on display at the Fearful Symmetries Museum of Art and hangs in the Kitchen Gallery.