Exploring LGBTQ History in Medieval Europe

Spectrum of Desire: Love, Sex, and Gender in the Middle Ages

The exhibition “Spectrum of Desire: Love, Sex, and Gender in the Middle Ages” at The Met Cloisters offers a nuanced perspective on medieval gender and sexuality. Contrary to the rigid norms often portrayed in popular culture, the 13th through 15th centuries were marked by complex expressions that defied traditional norms. The exhibition’s artifacts demonstrate that medieval art tells a richer story, emphasizing actions and identifications over restrictive roles.

The German textile “Two Riddles of the Queen of Sheba” (ca. 1490-1500) exemplifies this complexity by questioning the visible markers of gender. Medieval religious art also often blurred gender lines; Saint Wilgefortis, for instance, is depicted with a beard, while Saint Marinos is shown as a monk who lived cross-gendered.

The exhibition highlights that angels were often portrayed as androgynous beings. This reflects the beliefs of theologians like Thomas Aquinas, who argued these divine entities did not conform to human gender binaries.

Gender fluidity is also explored through depictions of Christ in religious contexts, represented with traditionally feminine traits as a devotional object for spiritual unions. Historical narratives engaged medieval believers with sensuality and erotic mysticism, visible in works like sculptures of Saint John and eroticized depictions of saints.

Artworks such as “Aquamanile of Aristotle and Phyllis” portray power dynamics and sexuality humorously while challenging gender norms. These pieces convey the layered divine interpretations found in medieval religious iconography.

The exhibition not only asserts that LGBTQ+ identities existed in the past but also challenges contemporary views by highlighting historical solidarity in defiance of orthodox gender and sexual mores. Spectrum of Desire uses historical artwork to rebut current claims by those who misuse medieval iconography for modern regressive agendas.

For visitors, it offers an opportunity to explore overlooked stories within a historical context, revealing the depth of gender and sexual exploration during the Middle Ages. It remains open for audiences until March 29, 2026, inviting all to experience the fluid and diverse perspectives of the time.