Religious art in France, 13 Century; a Study in Mediaeval Iconography and its Sources of Inspiration. Translated From the 3d ed. [rev. and enl.] by Do

More about the book

This synthetic work addresses the evolution of Christian art, particularly focusing on the thirteenth century, a time when medieval thought was most vividly expressed in art. However, it acknowledges that this period did not originate all the artistic expressions it refined, inheriting numerous types, ideas, and dispositions from earlier centuries. The long development of Christian art presents a fascinating yet elusive subject for scholarly research. Tracing the representation of specific figures or scenes from the catacombs to cathedrals offers valuable insights. A chronological study of artistic types—from fifth-century mosaics to Byzantine miniatures, Carolingian ivories, Romanesque capitals, and thirteenth-century sculpture and glass—reveals significant stages in the evolution of Christian thought. For instance, early catacomb art refrains from depicting the crucified Christ, while Romanesque art portrays Him on a jeweled cross, crowned and triumphant. In contrast, thirteenth-century art, which is less doctrinal and more human, presents a crucified figure with closed eyes and a drooping form, appealing more to the heart than the intellect.