Medieval Money, Merchants, and Morality

Medieval Money explores the role of art in reflecting and reinforcing the ethical discussions of money in the Middle Ages, tracing the origins of global money, surveying economic history, and examining images of Avarice, charity, and voluntary poverty.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 06 November 2023
Publisher: D Giles Ltd

Medieval Money delves into the captivating ways in which art played a pivotal role in reflecting and reinforcing the intricate ethical debates that emerged due to the pervasive influence of money in everyday life during the Middle Ages. It traces the origins of global money, offering a comprehensive survey of economic history, with a particular focus on the environment, the plague, Jews, and institutions. Through a rich tapestry of imagery, including illuminated manuscripts, coins, artworks, money chests, and account books, the book explores the multifaceted aspects of money's role in society.

The authors delve into the intricate world of coin iconography, minting processes, and foreign exchange, shedding light on the choices faced by Christians during that time. They examine depictions of Avarice, the greedy person punished in hell, and explore the immoral practices associated with earning and spending money. The authors also analyze representations of charity and voluntary poverty, shedding light on the complex interplay between wealth and moral values.

In the final chapters, the book delves into the material culture of the monetary economy, encompassing a wide range of artifacts such as illuminated oaths for minters, purses, and lockboxes. It also examines images of medieval money management, providing a visual insight into the financial practices and transactions of that era.

The authors of Medieval Money are accomplished scholars in their respective fields. Diane Wolfthal, a renowned art historian, specializes in late medieval and early modern European art. She is the Founding Co-editor of Early Modern Women: An Interdisciplinary Journal and holds the David and Caroline Minter Chair Emerita in the Humanities at Rice University. Wolfthal has co-authored a volume on the fourteenth-century Ma?zor in the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, collaborating with Elisabeth Hollander.

Deirdre Jackson, an assistant curator of Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts at the Morgan Library, brings a wealth of expertise to the book. Jackson's work focuses on medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, and she has contributed to numerous publications on the subject.

Steven A. Epstein, a professor emeritus of history at the University of Kansas, is another prominent author. Epstein has a deep interest in medieval social and economic history, and his research has significantly enriched our understanding of the Middle Ages.

David Yoon, currently the Mark Salton Associate Curator of Medieval, Renaissance, and Early European Numismatics at the J. Paul Getty Museum, contributes his expertise in numismatics to the book. Yoon's research has shed light on the monetary systems and coinage of various European cultures, providing valuable insights into the economic and cultural aspects of the Middle Ages.

Medieval Money is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the complex relationship between art, money, and ethics in the Middle Ages. Through its rich imagery and scholarly analysis, the book provides a valuable contribution to the field of medieval studies, offering a fresh perspective on the multifaceted world of money and its impact on society.

Weight: 1164g
Dimension: 212 x 264 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913875374