The texts gathered in this volume deal with the cultural forms and functions of artistic production, as characterized by the people to whom it was addressed, and also taking into account the behaviors that were generated when dealing with it. Thus, the problem of the recipients of the works, of the public's attitude towards the images or of the use of the works is addressed, both in the Western sphere and in the Byzantine East. Certain particular uses of images are also examined, without forgetting the pleasurable and consumer component associated with certain works, such as the illuminated manuscripts. By observing the relationship established and developed between the public and works of art, this book presents medieval society as an active context, in which the clients, spectators and artists were the protagonists.

The text is accompanied by a rich iconographic apparatus that, in addition to the illustrations corresponding to each chapter, guides the reader through a series of color plates that exemplify various aspects of the works of art from the point of view of their reception.