Mentor
Dr. Katherine Tachau
Participation year
2005
Project title

The Canterbury Tales and Medieval Iconography

Abstract

This research is considering the connection between Chaucer's Nun's Priest Tale and the stained glass image of a preacher-fox in Holy Cross church in Byfield, Northamptonshire in English. It was my theory that both Chaucer and the unknown artist of this stained glass image used their artistic ability to comment on the hypocrisy of the Church during this time. This summer, my mentor Dr. Katherine Tachau, challenged me to explore the authenticity of the stained glass image. It was possible that the image was not an original piece but had been replicated by an 18th century artist by the name of Kempe. However, I found that the image is actually an original. I was able to conclude this by contacting the curator of the museum at which the stained glass image is currently being held. The materials used to create the image, yellow glass filled in with grey led, match the materials that a medieval artist would have used. On the contrary, an 18th century restorer like Kempe is known for his use of dark green tint in glass restorations. With authenticity of the stained glass image confirmed, my argument for it's connection to The Canterbury Tales is somewhat secure.

Education
Xavier University of Louisiana