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  Medieval Realms
 
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Image 1: King John and his dog

Image 1:King John and his dog

In the Middle Ages artists did not have our modern idea that a picture of a person should be an accurate likeness of him or her. Pictures of people are not therefore portraits but pictures of how they should look. King John therefore wears a crown even though he seems to be relaxing with his dogs and not carrying out official business. Like all the nobles of this time, John was fond of hunting and these dogs may have been hunting dogs. The picture shows John's affection for the animals - a pleasant side of his nature. He has often been described elsewhere as one of the most evil kings England ever had.

Peter of Langtoft, 'Chronicle of England'.
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Image 2: King John hunting (1199-1216 )

Image 2: King John

Hunting was a popular sport with the nobility in the Middle Ages. Deer were reserved for them and there were savage penalties for poachers if they were caught. The flesh of the animals which were caught formed an important part of the diet of the nobility, especially in winter when butcher's meat was in short supply.

'Liber Legum antiquorum regum' (Book of the laws of ancient kings).
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Image 3: King Henry II

Image 3: King Henry II (1154-1189 )

This is not meant to be a likeness of Henry II but is a standard picture of a king. The real Henry is described as red-haired, stocky and bandy-legged from so much horse-riding. The king in the picture is holding a church to indicate that he founded churches or monasteries and protected them. Henry II had trouble with the Church and was indirectly responsible for the murder of Becket, but, no doubt, he would have called himself a loyal son of the Church.

Matthew Paris, 'Historia Anglorum' (History of the English).

 

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