Garden and Nature in the Medieval World
This exhibition presents snapshots of medieval gardens in a global comparative framework, drawing attention to the varied expressions of garden culture in the research areas represented at Dumbarton Oaks. In addition, this exhibit includes selected objects from the museum galleries that depict medieval peoples’ relationship to gardens and nature through their art.
To speak of “garden” and “nature” in the medieval world is to consider in the broadest terms how human beings have lived surrounded by and in constant relationship with the natural environment.
Objects on View
Seasons Sarcophagus
Floor Mosaic with Hunting Scenes
Mirror Back
Jar Depicting the Botanical Frog
Tapestry, Month of April
Painting, Death of St. Peter Martyr
Il libro della agricultura by Pietro de'Crescenzi
La Hypnerotomachia di Poliphilo by Francesco Colonna
This exhibition has been curated by Elizabeth Dospěl Williams, Curator, Byzantine Collection; Rong Huang, Tyler Fellow (2022-2024), PhD Candidate, Committee on the Study of Religion, Harvard University; Nikos Kontogiannis, Director, Byzantine Studies; and Anatole Tchikine, Curator, Rare Books, with assistance from Lizzie McCord, Post-graduate Curatorial Fellow, Dumbarton Oaks.
Contributions from Micah Budway, AM Candidate in Regional Studies, Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Harvard University; Stephanie Caruso, Giorgi Family Foundation Curatorial Fellow, Art Institute of Chicago; Noa Corcoran-Tadd, Pre-Columbian Studies Librarian; Juan Antonio Murro, Chief Curator, Museum; and Frauke Sachse, Director, Pre-Columbian Studies.
This exhibition has been organized to coincide with the Medieval Academy of America’s annual meeting in Washington, DC, from February 23–26, 2023. The conference’s theme of “internationalisms” provided an ideal opportunity for exploring medieval gardens and attitudes toward nature across cultures. The project is a unique coordination among the departments and specializations so well represented at Dumbarton Oaks, including the Museum, Byzantine Studies, Pre-Columbian Studies, Library, and Rare Books.