Zien & Geloven. Zintuiglijke ervaring in de late middeleeuwen (Seeing & Believing: Sensory Experiences in the Late Middle Ages) takes the visitor back to late medieval Europe, a time when Christians enhanced their religious experience by stimulating their senses with images, sounds, tastes, smells, and tactile objects. The exhibition highlights the role of the various senses and rituals, and brings to life a time when art was experienced intimately and intensely.
An experience for all the senses
In the late Middle Ages, art objects were not only admired visually; they were also touched, tasted, smelled, and heard. The exhibition shows how painted subjects, such as the Mass of St. Gregory, came to life during religious ceremonies. Joss sticks swung, bells rang, and psalms filled the air with chanting. Objects such as the Pax were kissed, while illuminations in missals were touched. Wine and hosts were tasted and holy words echoed. Mass bells, kissing crosses, sculptures, incense, triptychs, rosaries, wine and hosts – all these objects invite to a deeper sensory experience.
Relive medieval rituals
By reassembling these objects and highlighting their use and the actions that were performed with them, the experience of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries comes to life. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover how art was experienced not only visually, but also physically and emotionally. The exhibition shows how works of art, such as paintings, sculptures and books of hours, evoked strong emotions and were experienced with the body.
Jan Mostaert (ca. 1475-1552/1553), Christ Appearing to Mary (detail), ca. 1515-25
Rijksmuseum Twenthe, Enschede
A new way of seeing
“Seeing & Believing” offers an innovative view of art by returning the works to their original context and focusing on the interaction between man and object. How was art experienced in earlier times? What feelings did it evoke? By exploring these questions, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the artworks. In addition, tactile objects, smells and sounds are added to the exhibition, making the experience even richer and more accessible.
Sensory experience
This exhibition not only displays works of art of high quality, but also lets visitors experience what parchment feels like under the fingertips, what an incense-filled church must have smelled like and how singing could bring the believer to ecstasy. “Seeing & Believing” offers a unique opportunity to discover how art, even today, can still offer new sensory experience.