The Art of the Poor: The Aesthetic Material Culture of the Lower Classes in Europe 1300-1600

The Art of the Poor explores the role of art in the lower social classes of Europe during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, challenging the traditional narrative of elites and providing a more inclusive understanding of the period.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The history of art in the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance has traditionally been narrated as a tale centered around the elites: bankers, noblemen, kings, cardinals, and popes, as well as their artistic pursuits and commissions. However, in recent decades, there have been efforts to retell this story in terms of material culture. While these attempts have aimed to broaden the scope, it appears that the focus still largely rests on the upper echelons of society. In his comprehensive examination of art from 1300 to 1600, Rembrandt Duits seeks to rectify this imbalance. By bringing together insights from art historians, historians, anthropologists, and museum curators, The Art of the Poor delves into the role of art in the lower social classes of Europe and investigates how it shapes our understanding of medieval and early modern society. Through a series of thematically grouped short case studies, this book introduces new themes and raises innovative research questions, thus contributing to the emerging field of art history, social history, urban archaeology, and historical anthropology. By undertaking this important study, we gain a fresh perspective on the concept of art and its significance within society.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350214576