I was visiting Elsinore on a day trip with my Mum today, and among other places (not the castle, unfortunately, I hadn't the energy, but it's a beautiful medieval city in itself), we visited St Mariæs Church and monestary.
Inside the church were some of the most incredible vivid medieval chalk paintings I'd ever had the privilege to lay my eyes on.
It's very rare for Danish churches to have preserved medieval murals because during the reformation most were removed/destroyed in an attempt to banish Catholic excess. Fortunately some survived or were restored, and those in this church were very well preserved and vivid in color with clarity of detail.
Very characteristic medieval figures, funny little dudes and creatures in odd poses, and the entire life of Jesus painted like a picture book (except the painter made Jesus' halo look like a turban so I was briefly confused.)
Also did you know that the menu for the last supper was a single hog's head served on a giant platter? Or that maybe one of the disciples at the rest of the hog, as the artist had decided to paint one of them as a plump plus size diva for some reason (plus size divas represent! #ate(thehog))
Anyways, the church is connected monastery and in one of their rooms I made an amazing discovery.
The OG Ur-version of Strawberry Thief!
Now ALLEGEDLY William Morris never visited Denmark, or Elsinore, but maybe he sent research assistants? or saw a sketch/photograph of it in a book on medieval art. Because he was a big medievalist and nerds do research.
I mean, just look at that lil birdy stealing a berry!!
But you be the judge 😉
