In the illustrations from ancient paintings and manuscripts of the Middle Ages, fantastical bestiaries, demonic representations, and everyday scenes ranging from the familiar to the absurd are depicted. These images have gained surprising virality online through specialized accounts like @weirdmedievalguys, @medievalbestiary, @medieval.psychedelia, @medieval.marginalia, and @smilingbeetroot. Viewed with a contemporary eye, these images appear bizarre, absurd, and grotesque, often reminding viewers of a Monty Python sketch. Othmane Talbi, a 39-year-old project manager in migration issues in Rabat, Morocco, finds enjoyment in these images, as do others who appreciate the diversity in representations of the monstrous, bizarre, and surreal found in these images.
The popularity of these images on social media platforms like Instagram has led to thousands of likes, with audiences appreciating the unique and eclectic nature of the medieval artwork. Thibault Goeringer, a 36-year-old web developer in Paris, especially enjoys the variety of monstrous, bizarre, and surreal representations found in these images. The depictions of deformed and demonic animals, raw violence, and scenes of death juxtaposed with everyday scenes that feel familiar, such as companionship with dogs, capture the interest of viewers who appreciate the unexpected and unconventional aspects of medieval art.
Inspired by this window into a distant yet familiar past, artists like tattooist Bartobello, who is based in Montreal and originally from Eastern France, draw on the aesthetic of medieval engravings for their tattoo designs. For Bartobello, this imagery carries a sense of childhood nostalgia, resonating with Europeans who grew up surrounded by cultural references to knights, castles, crests, armor, demons, and dragons. Maria Pandiello, an art history doctor specializing in political propaganda in the 15th century and curator of the Instagram account @visions_of_manuscripts, also sees a parallel between the appeal of curated medieval imagery accounts and a return to childhood, as the Middle Ages represent a distant yet familiar past.
For Europeans, the Middle Ages symbolize the childhood of our current world, evoking a mix of nostalgia and curiosity. The imagery from this period serves as a cultural touchstone that reflects familiar themes like chivalry and supernatural elements that have shaped our collective imagination. By exploring these medieval representations, viewers can connect with a shared cultural heritage that is both recognizable and enigmatic, providing a bridge between the past and present. The whimsical and sometimes outlandish depictions found in medieval art offer a glimpse into a world that is both fantastical and grounded in everyday life, allowing for a rich tapestry of interpretation and inspiration for contemporary audiences.
In the digital age, the accessibility of medieval art through online platforms has sparked renewed interest in these centuries-old images, captivating audiences with their blend of the familiar and the strange. The resurgence of interest in medieval manuscripts and artwork reflects a broader cultural trend towards embracing diverse and unconventional forms of expression. By engaging with these fantastical and otherworldly representations, viewers are invited to reconsider their perceptions of historical art and explore the intricacies of a bygone era. As contemporary audiences continue to rediscover and reinterpret medieval imagery, they contribute to a vibrant dialogue that bridges the gap between past and present, offering fresh perspectives on timeless themes and narratives.
