Praymobil. Medieval art in motion

Weeping, bleeding, and talking figures that open and close their eyes and mouths. Sculptures with movable arms and legs and procession figures on wheels; Holy Spirit doves descending from the vaults of Gothic churches into the nave and angels floating up to heaven: medieval participants in church services, religious ceremonies, and mystery plays were keen on dramatic reenactments of biblical events in which they themselves took part as actors.

This now forgotten aspect of medieval art is the subject of a fascinating exhibition at the Suermondt-Ludwig-Museum in Aachen, which shows the public the specific uses of medieval art objects that live on in folk customs in many parts of Europe to this day.