Corybantes, The companions of Cybele
Artist: Studio of Maître François (French)
Date: about 1470
Dimensions:
Overall: 4 1/4 x 3 3/16 in. (10.8 x 8.1 cm)
Medium: Vellum
Place of Origin: France (probably Paris)
Classification: Manuscripts
Object number: 1954.74
Label Text:Scenes of music making are not rare in medieval art. However, in this charming secular miniature, the choice of instruments being played is exceptional. Most of the ensemble are banging pots and pans, while two men direct their woodwind playing towards the moon. On the banderole, the words "per aurata cortina lune" refer to the golden circle of the moon. An inscription at the bottom of the image identifies the group as "coribates" or "corybantes"and is a clue, albeit still puzzling, to the meaning of the image. This was the name given to the musical attendants of Cybele, a goddess in Greek mythology. The puzzle is how did a 15th century miniaturist know about the antique tradition of "Corybantes"? Probably the antique mythology got blended with medieval folklore superstition, whereby noisemakers, with a noisy clattering of homemade cymbols, would strive to drown out the spell which is causing the moon to fall closer to the earth and be lower than the sun. Even if a modern-day viewer does not completely understand the picture's obscure meaning, the image does provide a realistic glimpse of fifteenth century dress, instruments, and custom. Its detailed refinement contrasts with the crude simplicity of printed woodcuts made at the time.
Not on view
In Collection(s)