One of the key beliefs of the Romantics was that the modern world was socially and morally bankrupt. But where could one find a society rooted in strong morals, unrestrained emotion, bravery, happiness and honour? For many artists, the answer lay in the past —in the Middle Ages.

Join art historian Matthew Morgan to explore why the medieval world held such appeal for nineteenth-century artists and how their legacy continues to resonate in fashion and cinema to this day. Learn how figures such as Richard Parkes Bonington, Ingres, Paul Delaroche and the Pre-Raphaelites rejected the rationalism of the Enlightenment and drew inspiration from the drama, heroism and perceived simplicity of the past, in this short course.

About the speaker: Dr Matthew Morgan is a freelance art historian, educator and museum professional. He has been the Museum Director of Turner's House, and an Associate Lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London. He has worked in the heritage sector for 10 years, including at the Royal Collection, the National Gallery, the Wallace Collection and the V&A. Prior to that, he was a Director in Christie’s Valuation Department. He has contributed to TV documentaries, podcasts, radio shows and has lectured widely across the country and made a series of short films which can be seen on YouTube.

Take part at the museum: This course will take place in the Theatre, Lower Ground Floor. Participants taking part at the museum are encouraged to visit the galleries in their own time afterwards.

Watch online: This talk will also be broadcast live from the museum via Zoom. Online ticketholders will be emailed a link to join 24 hours in advance. Ticketholders will also receive a link to view a recording of the talk, which will be available for two weeks.

Background Image: Richard Parkes Bonington, Anne Page and Slender, c.1825. ©The Wallace Collection.