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Chaucer, the Pardoner
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Chaucer, the Pardoner
The Pardoner was a medieval cleric licensed to preach, and collect money in exchange for letters of indulgence; such letters were denounced by Chaucer among others
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Media ID 599346
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10134086
1387 Canterbury Chaucer Cleric Collect Exchange Horse Back Indulgence Letters Licensed Money Preach Tales Denounced Pardoner
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative 15th century print depicts Geoffrey Chaucer in the role of a Pardoner, a medieval cleric authorized to preach and grant indulgences in exchange for money. Indulgences were letters that offered forgiveness of sins and a reduction of time spent in purgatory. Although Chaucer himself was an ardent critic of the sale of indulgences, this image showcases him in the very role he denounced in his famous work, "The Canterbury Tales." The print, which is believed to have been published circa 1475, captures Chaucer on horseback, wearing a long robe and carrying a cross, symbols of his clerical status. The Pardoner's satchel slung over his shoulder is filled with the letters he would sell to the penitent. The historical context of this image is significant, as the late medieval period saw a surge in the sale of indulgences, leading to widespread criticism and eventual denunciation by Church reformers, including Chaucer. The print also highlights the importance of the written word during this era, with Chaucer holding a book in one hand and a quill in the other, symbolizing his role as a writer and storyteller. The image underscores the complexities of the medieval world, where religious practices, commerce, and literature intersected in intricate ways. Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," which was published in 1387, is a collection of stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims on a journey to Canterbury Cathedral. The tales offer a vivid portrayal of medieval life and provide insights into the social, cultural, and religious milieu of the time. The Pardoner's tale, in particular, is a scathing critique of the corrupt practices of the clergy and the sale of indulgences. This print, therefore, serves as a visual reminder of Chaucer's enduring impact on English literature and his role as a critical observer of his society.
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