Medieval Fragments

Art of the Middle Ages, though it seems

primitive to us in many ways,

fascinates me in its richness of

design, pattern and symbolism.

Above, drawing done in my art journal

after a twelfth century sculpture.

(photo in Art of the Early Middle Ages 

by Souchal, 1968) 

Mary seems melancholy, but

the child Jesus looks happy to

be in his mother's arms.

Above drawing in my art journal

inspired by a stone relief called

Adoration of the Magi, Mid-twelfth century,

Church of Sainte-Croix.

I chose to draw only Mary and Jesus.

Jesus' head is missing in the photo

of the relief, so I improvised.

Regardless of the stiff pose of

the figures, it still has a charm 

all its own, and this particular relief

is "evidence of the vigorous art being

done at the time of transition from Romanesque

to the new Gothic style,"  according to the author.

Peace and Blessings to you all.