Villanova University

Ancients (ACS-1000)

Fall Semester, 2015

Prof. Alexander Varias

Choose one of the following options:

1.) Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, or another appropriate institutionwith a substantial collection of Medieval Art from the 11th to the 14th century.  This paper should be creative in which you give an account as in a journal or diary about the experience a medieval pilgrim may have had in encountering an icon, a statue, or church of deep spiritual significance. For instance the original, but recreated, cloistered monastery in the Philadelphia museum would be adequate for imagining a medieval spiritual space. Choose three such objects in writing your essay.

While the essay is to be creative, you need to identify each object (including the time and place of its creation), its general characteristics, and an interpretation of its relevance to Medieval civilization.  Distinguish between the Romanesque and Gothic styles when appropriate. No secondary sources are required for this paper, but any that are used must be cited.

2. Imagine yourself a medieval wanderer on a pilgrimage to a sacred site with a very important relic. Describe the site you are visiting (the style of the church, its interior space, and its external appearance), the particular relic, and what you expect the relic to do for you. What are its powers? Why do you believe in it? How deep is your faith in it? Describe the land you are travelling through and its people. Where are you staying? Are people hospitable? Has the journey itself spiritually fulfilled you?