While the intent of this essay is to consider five objects of art from a medieval time-period dating back centuries, it must be prefaced with brief personal commentary to better enable the reader to both internalize the content, and empathize with the mindset of this student. As well, an explanation will be provided on these objects and their historical context. First, it should be noted that a visit to the MoMA can be nothing short of overwhelming. It is an experience that must be eased into, and a single exploration can in no way do it justice. Why, just finding one’s way around is intimidating. Even so, the educational value cannot be understated. The viewer walks away with an entirely new concept of this history of the world and its people. As an addendum, this exhibit was chosen because it was identified in the assignment, and seemed a natural option for consideration.
All of the pieces chosen for explanation are related to print. The first is the Map of the Holy Land, from Chronica majora, vol. I, chosen because it is classified as a manuscript. I am quite taken with the idea that information was conveyed via words and pictures, even so far back as ca 1240. So, too, is the Syrian Lectionary, dated 1216 (or so), another work that uses ink and gold on paper (as it is described). The Four Gospels in Arabic, dated much earlier but also classified as a manuscript, is indecipherable ‘ making it all the more imposing. Other options of interest include the Geneology of the Patriarchs, 16th century, and the Gospel Book, copied by Armenian priests in the 14th century. Now, indeed, these art objects are not confined to a single era, or even geographic location. Rather, they are exemplars of the continuum of the printed word across a brief period of time (relatively speaking), and confined to one exhibit. This is their shared traits, their commonality. While it may stray from the original intent of the assignment slightly, the power of the message is clear, as is their historical import.
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Each of these manuscripts is beautifully inscribed, and illustrated. One need not be able to read and understand the words of each text to recognize that print, and the allocation of ideas has significance to the past, present, and, now, future of mankind. The first thing that can be learned by historians when collecting and studying manuscripts is to better explain what communities were like throughout the epochs of time. It is fascinating, and instructive to note that books were a tool of communication centuries ago. Moreover, from the pain-staking manner in which they were assembled it is even more obvious that books, and the printed word, were revered. As I gaze upon the artifacts I am transported to the time when life was much simpler; when the purpose of one’s life might be only to create a series of pages by hand, with the expectation they would have meaning into the future. Printed words were limited in comparison to what one sees today.
Words had meaning, now this is less true. People had a reason for putting information into text, creating illustrations detailed and breathtaking. Now humans are inundated with so many images, it is hard to find meaning in any ‘ so, to be sure, historians recognize the value of books dating back to the earliest ages of humanity1. This, of course, turns the assignment expectations upside down because the intent is to determine what can be learned about this historical period, but, instead, it gives insight into modern day times. In short, historical manuscripts matter.
Banner, James A. Being an Historian, an Introduction to the Professional World of History. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2012.
Secondly, in the study of artifacts historians are able to create a chronicle of where mankind has been, hopefully as a lesson for future generations. The study of art and art objects from earlier generations, manuscripts especially 2 ,provides a foundation for understanding where humans have been. They are a visual and tactile remembrance that we are connected to the past, and that it was not so very long ago we are unable to identify our connections. It is like a visual journal crying out to the viewer to remember that yesterday was not so very long ago, and soon the items we cherish may be sitting in a museum for others to ponder over. Indeed, it is a reminder to those who are willing to listen that life itself is fleeting, and we best reassess our legacy. Would it be that my mark on humanity was as perennial as the manuscripts in this collection! As I stand in awe of these works I cannot help but wonder the intensity of the writer to avoid mistakes. Imagine coming to the final word only to realize an error has occurred. Historians, and collectors of artifacts, cannot possibly realize their impact on visitors ‘ the fanciful daydreaming and questions they invoke.
Finally, these manuscripts also share the respect for religion that was prominent ‘ or attempted to be so ‘ in those early days. Each manuscript dealt with gospels, piety, and a viewpoint of a Supreme Being. Interestingly, there were religious wars dating back to those times, and they continue today, with texts that are embraced by one sect or another, dividing instead of uniting. Why, ancient manuscripts reveal such seemingly mundane insight into topics such as literacy of an era according to William Harris3, an author an expert on the subject of ancient writings. There is no question that ancient objects of art have stories to tell.
- Banner, James A. Being an Historian, an Introduction to the Professional World of History. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2012.
- Gant, Jesse and Brian Hamilton. ‘Learning to Do Historical Research: Sources
Manuscripts and Archives’. http://www.williamcronon.net/researching/manuscripts.htm
- Harris, William. Ancient Literacy. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press, 1989.
