Have you ever wondered what a unicorn, a snake, and a pelican all have in common? Ever pondered the moral significance of an elephant? Ever found yourself scratching your head over the uncanny ability of cats to be simultaneously so dignified and so ridiculous?
For people in medieval Europe, animals served as sources of food and companionship, beauty and wonder, amusement and silliness, scientific research and education—just as they do today. But they also acted as metaphors for broader moral truths, melding natural history with sacred history, and illuminating the deep shared significance of all living beings, past, present, and future.
Medieval artwork and images featuring animals were almost never straightforward and carried many layers of meaning. Studying animal art provides a fascinating look into the complex web of science, religion, morality, education, and private life in the Middle Ages!
Bring your questions, bring your open minds, and be prepared for an evening of historical silliness!
Length: 90 minutes
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Dr. Lily Stewart is a professional medievalist who specializes in the study of religion and medicine. She has a doctorate in religious studies from Northwestern University, where she later taught as a full time lecturer. She is an editor for the Medieval Academy of America’s 100-year-old periodical Speculum: A Journal of Medieval Studies. Lily was born and raised in Morro Bay (MBHS class of ’09!), and she is thrilled to be back on the coast after a lengthy interlude. She is a part of the family team behind Beads by the Bay and the Garden by the Bay!
Dates & Notes:
Instructor: Dr Lily Stewart
Cancellation Policy
For classes that are multiple dates or a series, cancellations must be for the entire session, rather than individual dates. Refunds described below are less credit card fees. Cancellations made more than 14 days in advance of the start of a class or session are fully refundable; cancellations that are made within 7 - 14 days prior to the start of a class or session are 50% refundable. Cancellations made less than 7 days prior to the start of a class or session are not refundable. Note that classes with less than 3 students enrolled are subject to cancellation by Estero Bay Art + Craft and will be fully refunded, including credit card fees.
