70 medieval treasures from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum go on display in Paris

From June 30 to October 22, visitors When the English speak French Over 70 works of art can be found at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, covering the period from the 11th to the 15th century. “Given the geopolitical climate of recent years, we would like to highlight this link between our two countries.Amin Jaffer, director of Al Thani CollectionIt serves as the setting for this exhibition.

Ivory sculptures, old stained glass windows and embroidered carvings bear witness to this close relationship, as do jewels and rings set with precious stones created in Parisian goldsmiths’ workshops and found on English soil for centuries. From William the Conqueror to Henry VIII, selected works trace back 500 years of history. “We’ve selected the best pieces from our London collection“, underlined Emma Edwards, assistant curator of the exhibition.

When England was Catholic

Center, The Gloucester candle Takes place at the entrance. eligibility”An English goldsmith’s masterpiece“By Emma Edwards, there are inscriptions in Latin that trace back to its owners. From an abbey dedicated to St. Peter in Gloucester, the candle traveled to Le Mans Cathedral. At that time, England was Catholic and sections of the exhibition highlight the time exchanges between the monasteries of N. England and continental Europe.

“It was very difficult to find materials during this period“, noted James Robinson, director of the Department of Decorative Arts at the Victoria and Albert Museum. After the break with the papacy under Henry VIII, “Catholicism was all but destroyed“, he explained.

Items belonging to aristocratic and royal families are well preserved. On top of that valencia box, In one of the exhibits we see the royal arms of England and the great families of Angouleme and Brittany.

“Medieval Treasures of the Victoria and Albert Museum: When the English Spoke French”. – June 30 to October 22, 2023 – Al Thani Collection Hotel de la Marine, 2, Place de la Concorde 75008 Paris – Every day from 10:30am to 7pm, Friday to 9:30pm – Information and Ticket Office on the site.