Images of Ethnic Others in Western Medieval Art

Abstract

This paper seeks to provide an overview of the characteristic traits of the images of the ethnic Others, the connection of these images to the fundamental ethic and aesthetic categories, as well as the political events of the medieval epoch. Medieval art depicted various ethnic groups like Jews, Saracens, Mongols, Blacks, and eventually, people from the New World. Their representations share both common and distinct characteristics. Common traits encompass distinct appearances, clothing details, associated attributes, and their correlation with political events. They also exhibit imprecision, conventionality, and fluidity in defining the boundaries between these different groups. Moreover, they reflect cultural and political influences and blend real and fantastical elements, often intertwined with religious and ethical categories, which were fundamental in the medieval worldview. Herewith, the images of the Others also had some specific traits.