The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City is bringing together some of its most acclaimed manuscripts and other exceptional objects as part of its Medieval Money, Merchants, and Morality exhibit. Open November 10, 2023, through March 10, 2024, the display and accompanying publication chart the economic revolution that took place at the end of the Middle Ages and the early Renaissance when trade was conducted on an unprecedented scale, banks were established, and coinage proliferated like never before.
Curated by Dr. Diane Wolfthal and Dr. Deirdre Jackson, the exhibit explores how the widespread use of money in everyday life transformed European values and culture. The assemblage of interesting items addresses “the fate of the avaricious, attitudes toward the poor, contentious lending practices, and money management.” (To learn more about the curators and display, see the October Numismatist’s “One-on-One” column.)
Featured objects include the Hours of Catherine of Cleves and of Henry VIII, Queen Claude de France’s prayer book, a 16th-century Italian account book, a rare leather purse, a brass alms box, specimens from the Chalkis Hoard of Venetian coins (on loan from the American Numismatic Society), and much more. Visit themorgan.org for additional details.
A version of this article appears in the November 2023 issue of The Numismatist (money.org)