Anglo-Saxon Crucifixion Iconography and the Art of the Monastic Revival

This book provides a major study of the drawings, paintings and carvings of the crucifixion from tenth- and eleventh-century England.

Barbara Catherine Raw (Author)

9780521093088, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 8 January 2009

328 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm, 0.48 kg

This book provides a major study of the drawings, paintings and carvings of the crucifixion from tenth- and eleventh-century England, placing these works of art within the context of the tenth-century monastic revival. The drawings and paintings of the crucifixion are discussed in relation to the literature, theology, liturgy and devotional practices of the late Anglo-Saxon period in order to reveal the richness and subtlety of religious belief at this time. Late Anglo-Saxon religious art is shown to have played a central role in the monastic life; it called to mind the gospel events and set out their theological significance; it demonstrated the truth of the gospel message; it moved men's hearts, allowing them to experience the presence of Christ and to respond as though they had actually been present at His death.

List of plates
Acknowledgements
List of abbreviations and note on the text
Introduction
1. The nature and purpose of Anglo-Saxon church art
2. The place of the crucifix in Anglo-Saxon religious life
3. Crucifixion pictures in context
4. Anglo-Saxon crucifixion iconography and the theology of the early mediaeval period
5. The crucifix with angels
6. The crucifix with the crowned Christ
7. Minor iconographic types
8. Artistic themes and the thought of the period
Catalogue and index of works of art
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], British & Irish history [HBJD1]