Images of the Black Images of the Black DeathDeath

Oriental Rat Flea – engorged Oriental Rat Flea – engorged with blood. with blood.

This flea is the primary vector of plague in most large plague This flea is the primary vector of plague in most large plague epidemics in Asia, Africa, and South America. Both male and female epidemics in Asia, Africa, and South America. Both male and female fleas can transmit the infection.fleas can transmit the infection.

Flea on armFlea on arm

Person with bubonic plaguePerson with bubonic plague

Artwork inspired by Artwork inspired by the Black Deaththe Black Death

Peter Bruegel (the elder) "Triumph of Death" (Black Peter Bruegel (the elder) "Triumph of Death" (Black Plague)   (Flemish artist, 1562, oil on panel, in Plague)   (Flemish artist, 1562, oil on panel, in

Museo del Prado, Madrid. Museo del Prado, Madrid. 

Mass Burial, Plague, Belgium Mass Burial, Plague, Belgium 1349.  Unknown artist. 1349.  Unknown artist.

Arnold  Bocklin, "The Plague" Arnold  Bocklin, "The Plague" 18981898

Medieval CathedralsMedieval Cathedrals

New Style: GothicNew Style: Gothic

1212thth century century Pointed arches, ribbed vaults and Pointed arches, ribbed vaults and

flying buttressesflying buttresses– Created the impression of reaching Created the impression of reaching

upward to Godupward to God Stained glass windowsStained glass windows

– Source of natural light, which Source of natural light, which symbolized the divine light of Godsymbolized the divine light of God

Scenes from the Passion of Saint Vincent of Saragossa Scenes from the Passion of Saint Vincent of Saragossa and the History of His Relicsand the History of His Relics, 1244–1247, 1244–1247

French; Made in ParisFrench; Made in Paris

Notre Dame CathedralNotre Dame CathedralParis, FranceParis, France

built from 1163 to 1250built from 1163 to 1250

Leaf from a Royal Manuscript, with Scenes Leaf from a Royal Manuscript, with Scenes from the Life of Saint Francisfrom the Life of Saint Francis, ca. 1320–1342, ca. 1320–1342

Made in Bologna, ItalyMade in Bologna, Italy

MonasteryMonasteryMid-12th century FranceMid-12th century France

BibleBible, ca. 1175–1195, ca. 1175–1195From the Abbey of Pontigny, FranceFrom the Abbey of Pontigny, France

ArmorArmor, 1400, Italian, 1400, Italian

Steel, brass, textileSteel, brass, textile

ShieldShield, 7th century Italy, 7th century Italy

Iron and bronzeIron and bronze

Drawing of a walled medieval Drawing of a walled medieval towntown

Medieval womanMedieval woman

Medieval womenMedieval women

Medieval castleMedieval castle