Relics, Reliquaries and Cult Images

4 credits · Undergraduate

A survey of the visual arts in Europe from about 800-1400 A.D. This lecture course explores the origins and transformations of Christian pre-modern visual culture. This class will analyze the revival of monumental sculpture in the context of liturgy, architecture, materiality of the minor arts and reliquaries, as well as medieval theories on perception. Emphasis is placed upon the broad artistic influence of the monastic, pilgrimage, and crusading movements.The elaboration of new iconographic themes and the influence of small scale precious works will receive special attention.