Émile Mâle

Émile Mâle was a French art historian and scholar who specialized in medieval and Gothic art. He is best known for his detailed studies of Christian religious imagery and architecture, particularly focusing on the symbolism and development of Gothic cathedral decorations and altarpieces during the 12th and 13th centuries. Mâle's work helped deepen understanding of how religious themes influenced art and how artistic styles evolved within the context of medieval spirituality. His research contributed significantly to the fields of art history and cultural history, offering insight into the religious and aesthetic values of the Middle Ages.