Jewels of the Middle Ages: Piety, Power and Sensuality

For nearly a thousand years, the Middle Ages dominated the history of the arts with its soaring cathedrals.
However, the jewel, as small and fragile as it may be, is omnipresent in medieval society. Like the pearl, both a symbol of piety and sensuality, jewelry shows the complexity of a society long defined uniquely by its religious character. From heraldic symbols to small portable reliquaries, from wedding rings to princely ornaments, jewelry speaks a varied and subtle language which we propose to decipher together.

This conference was broadcast live from the Morgan Library in New York for the French session and from the Villa Albertine headquarters for the English sessions.

With Inezita Gay-Eckel, Jewelry Historian and Teacher at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts & Paul Paradis, Art Historian, Decorative Arts and Jewelry Specialist, Teacher at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts.