VSA2620

Image and belief in medieval art

John Gregory

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives On completion of this subject students should have gained a working knowledge of the main patterns of medieval art and architecture, and some sense of how they developed in relation to central attitudes and ideas of the period; been introduced to notions of audience and reception in medieval art; and developed skills involved in using relevant primary documents.

Synopsis This subject will introduce aspects of the evolution of art and architecture in medieval Europe, particularly from around 1100. The central emphasis will be on how visual culture was viewed and understood in the period - not only in the official service of church and state, but also in relation to pilgrimages and other popular forms of religious belief, and the growing secularisation and variety of medieval society. Examination of specific examples such as the Bayeux Tapestry, Chartres Cathedral and the mosaics of Norman Sicily will emphasise the mixture of ideas and motives involved. Other issues to be considered will include: the influence of ideas and forms inherited from classical antiquity; iconoclasm; connections and contrasts between Northern European and Mediterranean traditions; the representation of sexuality and gender; and the changing role and status of artists. Primary sources and recent revaluations will be considered throughout.

Assessment Seminar paper (1500 words): 25%
* Essay (3000 words): 50%
* Visual Test (1.5 hours): 25%

Recommended texts

Camille M The gothic idol: Ideology and image-making in medieval art CUP, 1991
Cook W and Herzman R The medieval world view OUP, 1983
Eco U Art and beauty in the Middle Ages Yale U P, 1986
Freedberg D The power of images U Chicago P, 1989
Mâle E The gothic image Harper and Row, 1972