Day 15: Medieval Courtly Black Figures Did you know there are Black representations in courtly scenes in medieval art? Not just Black knights of the round table, as we've discussed before, these are other figures. 🧶 1/7 #indieyarndyers #BHM #yarnsky #handdyedyarn - ThreadSky

isasaxonists.bsky.social • 16 days ago

Day 15: Medieval Courtly Black Figures

Did you know there are Black representations in courtly scenes in medieval art? Not just Black knights of the round table, as we've discussed before, these are other figures. 🧶

1/7

#indieyarndyers #BHM #yarnsky #handdyedyarn

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isasaxonists.bsky.social•16 days ago

The Gospel Lectionary of Herod’s Feast (Walters Manuscript W.535, fol. 159r) contains a striking depiction of the feast of Herod. This 13th-century Byzantine manuscript includes a fascinating banquet scene where Black figures are seated at the table alongside Herod & other attendees.

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isasaxonists.bsky.social•16 days ago

The Black figures likely represent court attendants, musicians, or possibly even guests at Herod's feast. Their inclusion reflects the cosmopolitan nature of Byzantine courtly & artistic traditions, where Black individuals were depicted in various roles,

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isasaxonists.bsky.social•16 days ago

not as servants as commonly thought, but as dignitaries as well. Given the Byzantine Empire’s connections w/ Africa & the broader Mediterranean, the presence of Black figures in religious & secular imagery was not uncommon.

What's cool abt this image is that the figures are seated at the table,
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isasaxonists.bsky.social•16 days ago

emphasizing their participation in the feast rather than placing them in purely servile roles.

There are 2 colorways inspired by these courtly figures. First is a rich amethyst inspired by the figure's deep pink/red tunic & hat. Called "Courtly Amethyst" it goes well w/ silvers, creams,
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isasaxonists.bsky.social•16 days ago

black, blues & purples. The second colorway is inspired by the figure with a lovely green tunic. I intensified the color & boosted it slightly w/ a blue undertone to give it a rich & deep forest green color. This is fittingly called "Forest Feast Green."

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isasaxonists.bsky.social•16 days ago

So now you know a little more abt Black representation in courtly scenes that undoes misconceptions abt the European Middle Ages.

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#BlackHistoryMonth #yarnsky #indieyarndyers

mobiusoperandi.bsky.social•15 days ago

I love that you picked your color ways from these paintings to give history and depth to the color :)

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