You are probably tired of all the social media posts about the TV series Game of Thrones. This is not another article of spoilers (not major ones at least) nor a prediction of what will happen at the end of the season. This is an article to help art and history enthusiasts to appreciate the TV series through medieval art and history.
The first episode of the TV show Game of Thrones aired April 17 2011
From the settings to the costume designs, we can easily draw links between the medieval period and the fantasy show. However, it’s not an easy task to locate specific artworks that have inspired the creation of the show. The J. Paul Getty Museum has been recapping each episode of the series using artworks from their manuscripts collection, including objects that have not been exhibited due to their fragility.
The J. Paul Getty Museum in California houses the Getty Center and Getty Villa
The first two episodes of the new season reveal the characters in Winterfell preparing for the ultimate battle with the White Walkers. While the atmosphere is serious in these episodes, there is no lack of humour either. Remember when Sansa Stark asked Daenerys Targaryen, “What do dragons eat, anyway?” Of course Sansa said that out of spite, but there is indeed a curiosity about a dragon’s “diet”. Do they eat lamb, goat and perhaps the occasional person as suggested in the previous seasons? Or what if they are actually vegetarians?
Sansa Stark is hostile towards Daenrys in episode 1 of season 8
Daenerys and Jon Snow with the dragons- Drogon (left); Rhaegal (right)
In the Middle Ages, people had a strong fascination with beasts and creatures. Books and encyclopedias like the medieval bestiary were quite popular. Although the medieval bestiary does not give an exact answer to Sansa’s question, it mentions that dragons are “fearsome beasts”. However, the dragon is afraid of the shadow of the peridexion tree where the dove rest safely. Only when the dove leaves its nest is the dragon able to capture it.
Initial S: A Griffin and Rider (ca. 1240–1250) depicts the peridexion tree and the dragon
Book of Beasts: The Bestiary in the Medieval World
The Getty is currently holding an exhibition named Book of Beasts: The bestiary in the Medieval World. With over 100 works on display, visitors can experience the world where dragons were once believed to have lived in. You can almost feel the mysterious beast coming to life as you flip through the pages.
Griffin (detail). Book of Flowers (1460)
Episode 2 of this season can be called an episode “for the ladies”. Not only did we see Daenerys continue to take charge as a queen, we also saw Sansa fulfilling her role as Lady of Winterfell. Even Lady Mormont from Bear Island and a young Winterfell girl were eager to join in the fight against the White Walkers. In the Middle Ages, however, were women given the rights to fight? Were they allowed to rule?
Queen Daenerys Targaryen, also known as Dany and Daenerys Stormborn
Many might think a woman’s role is confined to the household, but in fact, there are some examples of royal and noble women ruling either on their own, or by acting as regent after the deaths of their husband or son. The latter was more often the case. Famous examples of female leadership include Queen consort of France- Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204), Queen of France- Blanche of Castile (1188-1252), Queen of England- Margaret of Anjou (1430-1482) and Marchioness of Mantua-Isabella d’Este (1474-1539).
The Accolade (1901) by Edmund Leighton captures Eleanor of Aquitaine anointing a knight
What was more uncommon in the Middle Ages were female knights. In Game of Thrones, Brienne of Tarth was finally anointed as a knight in the newest episode, and was given a new title- Ser Brienne of Tarth. One of the most famous knights in French history is Joan of Arc (1412-1431), a peasant girl who aided the French against the English at a decisive moment of the Hundred Years’ War. However, people frowned upon her as she dressed like a man. She was accused of using witchcraft and was executed at 19 years of age.
Saint Joan of Arc (ca. 1504-1506) by Jean Pichore
Brienne of Tarth became Ser Brienne of Tarth before the big war
If you are interested in discovering more connections between Game of Thrones and the Medieval Times, you might want to visit The Getty Museum in Los Angeles for the exhibition The Wondrous Cosmos in Medieval Manuscripts from 30 April to 21 July or The Bestiary in the Medieval World from 14 May to 18 August. You can also choose to read the Getty's articles on how other medieval art forms are used in the creation of the TV show.
Exhibition details
Book of Beasts: The Bestiary in the Medieval World
Date: 14 May - 18 August 2019
Time: Tuesday to Friday, Sunday | 10 am–5:30 pm
Saturday | 10 am–9 pm
Closed Mondays
Venue: The Getty Center, LA
Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA
Admissions: Free
The Wondrous Cosmos in Medieval Manuscripts
Date: 30 April - 21 July 2019
Time: Tuesday to Friday, Sunday | 10 am–5:30 pm
Saturday | 10 am–9 pm
Closed Mondays
Venue: The Getty Center, LA
Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA
Admissions: Free