8 Stunning Images of Black People In Medieval Europe
Medieval times are, without question, one of the most recognizable periods in human history. Old England instantly comes to mind. The folklore of Robin Hood, King Arthur, and Merlin the magician are rapidly called to memory.
Thoughts of knights clad in battle armor while jousting on horseback are easily recalled. We think of stone castles with moats, stained glass windowed monasteries, straw-roofed villages, and brilliantly green pastures. Kings, queens, ladies, lords, monks, friars, musketeers, knights and thespians, and peasants. All are highlighted by themes of heroism, bravery, chivalry, and romance.
We see these images clearly as crystals. Yet, there is something of which many of us are blindly unaware— there were black people in medieval Europe.
Think of the last time you watched a period movie set in England during the middle ages. Most likely, people of color were noticeably absent. But, like the unseen 92 percent of the iceberg that lies below the ocean’s water, there was more diversity in medieval Europe than meets the eye.
Black musicians in Portuguese painting of The Engagement of St Ursula and Prince Etherius, c 1520.
A DIVERSE WORLD
Contrary to popular belief, there were black people and others from around the world seen in every corner and nook of society.
They were generals, knights, saints, cardinals, nobility, conquistadors, mercenaries, musicians, cooks, housekeepers, dock workers, slaves, and assistants. They worked in Europe’s medical buildings, kitchens, gardens, and stables. Living in Portugal, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, and England. International trading cities such as Venice were multicultural magnets. It’s time to rethink everything we know about the presence of black people in Europe during this time period. The picture of the middle ages isn’t accurate without them.
So if your’e interested, I’ve dug through the archives to bring you some of my favorite images of black people in the Middle Ages.
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1. OTHELLO
The Moorish general from William Shakespeare’s Othello may be one of the most famous depictions of black people in medieval European history. Though a fictional character, his story is based on “Un Capitano Moro” ("A Moorish Captain") by Italian writer Cinthio, first published in 1565.
2. THE SYBIL
Since ancient times Sybils were considered seers sent by god. Priestesses foretelling the coming of great events. This model serves to depict the Sybil of Agrippina, one of the 12 that foretold the coming of Christ. Notice the flagellum and crown of thrones which are symbolic objects reminding the viewer of Christ’s suffering.
3. THE KINGS FOUNTAIN
With it’s striking visuals this well-constructed painting shows a lively street scene. The people are gathered around the Fountain of El-Rei in Lisbon, Portugal going about their daily business. Crafted in the 16th century, it shows images of a thriving black African population. The people appear to be a big part of the day to day happenings of town. One figure that stood out to me was on the bottom right. Look closely— do you see the Afro-Portuguese knight on horseback? Astonishing. His garment is officially endowed with the Herald of the order of Santiago.
4. WISE MEN FROM THE EAST
At this point, you’ll notice a trending theme in medieval paintings— religion. In this one, we see an African man as one of the wise men visiting a newborn Jesus Christ.
5. ADORATION OF THE MAGI
Here is another iconic Adoration scene. Following a star, three kings unite for a much-anticipated meeting with baby Jesus. They lay before him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
6. SIR MORIEN
Meet Sir Morien, the black knight of the round table. This gallant warrior was one of the men from the famed legend of King Arthur. When people refer to a “black knight” story from the legend, they literally mean a black knight.
INTERESTING READS
Looking for more? Here are two amazing books dig deeper into the ethnic makeup Europe. One is a monumental set of volumes covering images of blackness over the last 5,000 years. Many of the images depict people of color in Europe.
The other digs into the historical records of England to document and reconstruct the stories of 10 men and women of color living there during the Middle Ages. Both are fascinating reads.
There is also this exhibition "Revealing the African Presence in Renaissance Europe" at the Walters Art Museum. They were great enough to upload the resource as a pdf you can check out and download.
MORE IMAGES OF BLACK PEOPLE IN MEDIEVAL EUROPE
John Blanke, a Black trumpeter, was a musician at the courts of both Henry VII and Henry VIII. His name is listed among the musicians noted in the accounts of the Treasurer of the Chamber responsible for their payments.
his image is of St. Maurice by an unknown South German painter circa 1515.