Maggie Crosland, Birmingham Museum of Art, Curator of European Art
In this talk, Maggie Crosland, the curator of European art at the Birmingham Museum of Art, will explore the surprising role humorous images played in the medieval Christian church. From foxes preaching to chickens to toilet humor, religious objects made in the years between 1200 and 1500 AD included a wide range of strange imagery meant to invoke both laughter and devotional contemplation. If you have ever wondered why snails go to war, or why elephants hate dragons, this is your chance!