Many artists of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries were fascinated by the styles and subjects of medieval art.
Soaring cathedrals and ornate illuminated manuscripts impressed artists living in an era of increasing mechanization, while reverent visions of saints and heroes offered inspirational models in the midst of war and political violence. Along with representative medieval objects, Medieval X Modern presents the work of modern artists from Europe and the Americas who created prints, drawings, paintings, illustrated books, sculptures, and decorative objects informed by the spectacular craftsmanship and compelling historical figures of the Middle Ages. Scholars and artists also produced publications illustrating royal treasures and architectural remains that not only testify to a pride in the medieval past, but also serve nationalistic narratives in the present. Drawing primarily from the Blanton’s collection, Medieval X Modern offers a wide array of artistic responses to the European Middle Ages, including one of the museum’s most iconic works—Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin.
Curated by Christine Zepeda, Andrew W. Mellon Fellow in Prints and Drawings and Holly Borham, Associate Curator of Prints, Drawings and European Art, Blanton Museum of Art
What ho! Aye, we have a Medieval music list to splay your senses. God spede you, lovers of ear arts.
Eugen Napoleon Neureuther, “Dörnroschen [Sleeping Beauty],” 1836, etching, 27 x 20 3/8 in. Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, Jack S. Blanton Curatorial Endowment Fund, 2002
Jules Ferdinand “Jacquemart, Porphyry Vase with Eagle Head, from Les Gemmes et joyeaux de la couronne [The Gems and Crown Jewels],” vol.1, 1865, etching with plate tone, 19 3/16 x 12 13/16 in. Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Isidore Simkowitz in memory of Amy Cecelia Simkowitz-Rogers, 1998
John Taylor Arms, “In Memoriam (The North Portal of Chartres Cathedral),” 1939, etching, 20 ¼ x 15 ½ in. Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, Gift of Susan Garwood in memory of Sue Ann Reagan, 2004
Anna Hyatt Huntington, “Joan of Arc,” 1915, bronze, 50 ¾ x 12 ½ x 28 ½ in. Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, Gift of the estate of Mr. and Mrs. H.J. Lutcher Stark, 1925; Transfer from the Office of the President, The University of Texas at Austin, 1983
Ellsworth Kelly, “Mother and Child,” 1949, oil on linen, 29 x 17 in. Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, Gift of the artist, 2018
Circle of Michelino da Besozzo, “Madonna and Child,” circa 1428, tempera with tooled gold leaf on wood panel, 22 3/16 x 15 1/8 in. Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, The Suida-Manning Collection, 2017
Unknown artist, “Verge head,” 16th century (?), silver, 15 ½ x 4 ½ x 4 ½ in. Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, Purchase, 2018
Emile Bernard, “La Passion,” 1895, pen lithograph with hand coloring, 17 1/16 x 21 5/8 in. Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, Jack S. Blanton Curatorial Endowment Fund, 2005
Carlos Alonso, “Que corrían mordiéndose [Those Who Run Biting Each Other],” 1968, colored wash and black ink on paper, 19 13/16 x 27 5/8 in. Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin, Gift of John and Barbara Duncan, 1971
