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Images and Their Use. Defences of Christian Art. Common in 12 th century Latin Chrisitianity to defend use of images:
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Defences of Christian Art • Common in 12th century Latin Chrisitianity to defend use of images: “It is one thing to worship a picture and another to learn from the story of a picture what is to be worshiped. For what writing conveys to those who can read, a picture shows to the ignorant... and for that very reason a picture is like a lesson for the people.” – from a letter attributed to Gregory the Great
Explosion of Images • 12th – producing images at a new pace, with a newfound vigor • books, ivory, church architecture, glass, metalwork • Diverse uses; diverse understandings • Three functions typically cited by medieval theologians: • Didactic • Affective • Anagogic
Aesthetic, Embodied Spirituality • “High” middle ages – pilgrimage, saints shrines, dramatized liturgy – embodied, material, sensual • 1059 – eucharist controversy • doctrine of transubstantiation • contact with the sacred, in this world • Romanesque churches • Reliquaries, litrugical vessels, vestments, utensils, fans, chalices, patens, candlesticks, ornate altars
Romanesque Maria Laach Abbey, Germany
Crucifixion Imagery Gero Cross, Cologne Cathedral, late 10th c.