October 17, 2025–March 29, 2026
The Met
Explore a compelling journey through the intricate landscape of desire, identity, and gender as depicted in the art of the Middle Ages at The Met Cloisters. The exhibition Spectrum of Desire reveals a side of medieval history often overshadowed by religious narratives, diving deep into the multifaceted expressions of sexuality and gender from the 13th to 15th centuries across Western Europe.
Medieval art offers a rich tapestry of emotions—ranging from courtly love and carnal passions to sacred longing and subversive joy. This exhibition challenges conventional perspectives by showcasing how desire was portrayed with both profound seriousness and playful irony, reflecting the complexities of human relationships during that era. Through stirring and evocative works, visitors are invited to reconsider historical assumptions and engage with the past in a more nuanced way.
Featuring over fifty carefully curated pieces, the exhibition includes gold jewelry that sparkles with historical significance, delicate ivory sculptures that tell untold stories, vibrant stained glass windows illuminating faith and desire, illuminated manuscripts that capture the imagination, and woven textiles that speak of status and identity. All artworks primarily drawn from The Met’s distinguished collection provide a diverse visual vocabulary to understand the spectrum of human desire and social bonds.
By opening a dialogue between past and present, Spectrum of Desire encourages reflection on modern understandings of love, gender, and kinship. It situates medieval experiences within a broader conversation about identity that continues to resonate today.
For more details, please visit the official exhibition page at The Met Museum Website.
