ClassX Video Lessons Subjects Art What is a butt tuba and why is it in medieval art? – Michelle Brown
In the margins of medieval illuminated manuscripts, a curious world unfolds—a rabbit attempts to play a church organ, a knight battles a giant snail, and a naked man humorously blows a trumpet with his rear end. These bizarre and captivating images, painted with squirrel-hair brushes on vellum or parchment, were crafted by monks, nuns, and urban artisans. They populate the edges of some of the most treasured books from the Middle Ages, often telling a secondary story as rich and complex as the text itself.
Many of these illustrations reinforce the religious content of the books they adorn. For instance, a porcupine collecting fruit on its spines might symbolize the devil stealing the fruits of faith or Christ taking up the sins of humanity. Similarly, medieval lore suggested that a unicorn could only be captured when it laid its horn in the lap of a virgin, symbolizing either sexual temptation or Christ being captured by his enemies. Rabbits, often representing human lust, could redeem themselves through attempts to create sacred music despite their failings.
These references were familiar to medieval Europeans through other art forms and oral traditions, though some have become more enigmatic over time. The recurring motif of a knight fighting a snail, for example, remains a mystery. It might symbolize the inevitability of death, which even the mightiest knights cannot escape, or it could represent humility, urging knights to conquer their own pride.
Illuminated manuscripts often contained religious or classical texts, with bookmakers incorporating their own ideas and opinions through illustrations. The infamous “butt tuba” was likely a humorous critique or an ironic twist on the text’s actions. These illuminations could also serve as subversive political commentary. For example, the “Smithfield Decretals” outlines the Church’s laws and punishments, while its margins depict a fox being hanged by geese, possibly symbolizing the common people rising against their oppressors.
In the “Chronica Majora,” Matthew Paris recounts a scandal involving Welsh prince Griffin, who fell to his death from the Tower of London. While some believed he fell, others suspected he was pushed. Paris added his own interpretation in the margins, illustrating the prince’s fall while attempting to escape on a rope made of bed-sheets.
Some margins told more personal tales. “The Luttrell Psalter,” a book of psalms and prayers commissioned by Sir Geoffrey Luttrell, depicts a young woman having her hair done while a young man catches a bird in a net. The man’s growing-out tonsure indicates he is a clergyman neglecting his duties, alluding to a family scandal where a young cleric eloped with Sir Geoffrey’s daughter, Elizabeth. The family’s spiritual advisor likely painted this scene to remind them of their failings and encourage spiritual growth.
Artists sometimes included themselves in these manuscripts. The opening image of Christine de Pisan’s collected works shows her presenting the book to the Queen of France, who was so impressed by de Pisan’s previous work that she commissioned her own copy. This royal patronage enabled de Pisan to establish her own publishing house in Paris.
The tradition of illuminated manuscripts spanned over a thousand years, with books created by individuals or teams for various purposes, including private prayer aids, church service books, textbooks, and protective talismans for battle. Despite this diversity, the whimsical drawings in the margins offer a unique glimpse into the minds of medieval artists, revealing a world rich in symbolism, personal narratives, and artistic expression.
Using paper and colored pencils or markers, design your own illuminated manuscript page. Include a main text, such as a poem or a short story, and add detailed illustrations in the margins. Think about the symbolism and personal stories you want to convey through your artwork.
Research different symbols used in medieval illuminated manuscripts. Create a list of these symbols and their meanings. Then, look through various images of illuminated manuscripts online or in books and see how many symbols you can find. Share your findings with the class.
Write a short story inspired by one of the bizarre images described in the article, such as a knight battling a giant snail or a rabbit playing a church organ. Share your story with the class and discuss how the image might relate to the themes of the story.
Discuss how illuminated manuscripts were used to convey political messages. Choose a current event and create an illustration that uses symbolism to comment on the event. Present your illustration and explain the symbolism you used.
Think about a personal story or family event that you would like to illustrate. Create a drawing that includes both the main event and smaller, symbolic images in the margins. Share your artwork with the class and explain the story and symbolism behind it.
Medieval – Relating to the Middle Ages, a period in European history from about the 5th to the late 15th century. – The medieval castle was surrounded by a deep moat and high stone walls.
Manuscripts – Handwritten documents, especially those written before the invention of printing. – The museum displayed ancient manuscripts that were beautifully illustrated with gold and vibrant colors.
Symbolism – The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities in art and literature. – In the painting, the dove is a symbolism of peace and hope.
Imagery – Visually descriptive or figurative language used in art and literature to create pictures in the mind. – The artist’s use of bright colors and detailed imagery made the landscape come alive.
Knights – Warriors in the medieval period who were often of noble birth and served their king or lord. – The knights wore shining armor and rode on horseback during the grand parade.
Rabbits – Small mammals with long ears, often depicted in art and stories as symbols of fertility and rebirth. – In the medieval tapestry, rabbits were shown frolicking in the lush garden.
Art – The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture. – The art gallery featured works from both modern and classical artists.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Learning about history helps us understand how past societies lived and evolved.
Stories – Narratives or accounts of events, either real or fictional, that are shared to entertain or inform. – The storyteller captivated the audience with tales of brave knights and magical lands.
Tradition – Customs or beliefs passed down from generation to generation. – Every year, the town holds a festival to celebrate its cultural tradition and history.
