FAQ
How are MedievalMade designs created?
Our creative process is not one-size-fits-all, but rather multifaceted.
Some designs are created from scratch, using the preferred medieval medium: gouache. In many cases, we even create our own tempera, using true medieval techniques! A great example of this work is "The Baroness of Carini," a multilayered tempera painting that started with a pencil sketch.
Other designs are the result of a detailed restoration of historical artwork: we digitally reconstruct all the missing or faded parts that have been consumed by hundreds of years; then we bring the colors back to their original splendor. Sometimes we even cover nudity when it can result offensive to our customers. A good example of this restorative work is "The Unicorn Purifies Water," a tapestry that has been carefully restored and reconstructed, true to its original state.
More interestingly, many of our designs are the result of a composite work between art of our own making, historic artworks that we have restored, and even physical artifacts like sculptures. A great example of this composite work is the "Real Sleeping Beauty," where a fusion of all these elements occurs: real roses have been digitized; a historical painting has been used as the central subject; and a watercolor geometric pattern of our own making has been fused in the composition. Even a wood carving with winged dragons (from a real medieval cart) has been used to frame the painting.
What about the stories?
MedievalMade is known for all the stories associated to every product.
Sometimes we start with a story we love, and then we create artwork from scratch specifically for that story.
Other times, it is the opposite way: we find exceptional artwork that we want to feature, and then we do research about the story associated with that specific work.
Oftentimes, however, we find "orphaned" works.
These are artworks without a story, whose origins are not fully known. We believe that these works of art are looking for a story, like a character looking for an author. Through research, we find a story that fits that subject and gives it a second life. We believe that every artwork, like every person, deserves a story!
Are the stories true?
Lots of studying and research is done in order to source real historical events and legends. Our library keeps on growing as we add more manuscripts and folkloristic accounts of Medieval Europe.
Why are the stories often talking about women?
An important part of our mission is to empower women, therefore we often choose to focus on historical female figures that have shaped (or shaken) their time. Their stories are often tragic, and we have been using this as a strong reminder of how far women have come and still can go!
MedievalMade is committed to women and their social and psychological empowerment, something that we take very seriously and implement through our Blog and social campaigns.
What is the MedievalMade mission?
By creating modern designs inspired by history, we are able to start a conversation among our audience about many historical topics that are still very relevant today.
It is a fact that products are often the best conversation starters in our culture. Our products all come with a narrative that sparks conversation with friends and guests, or simply speaks to a person's emotions.
Our mission is not to provide a product, but a powerful story - through which you can tell your own story and what you stand for.
