Iconotropy and Cult Images from the Ancient to Modern World

The book explores how religious images are altered through symbolic and material changes over time,based on the concept of iconotropy. It provides a theoretical framework for these alterations and discusses how they were influenced by spiritual, religious, artistic, geographical, and historical factors.

Format: Hardback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book delves into the profound and intricate process of symbolic and material transformation of religious images across different historical periods, including antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the modern era. It explores the multifaceted factors that shape and influence the alteration of these visual representations, including spiritual, religious, artistic, geographical, and historical contexts. By employing the concept of "iconotropy," the book offers a comprehensive theoretical framework to understand the dynamic nature of these transformations.

Iconotropy refers to the inherent ability of images to change and/or alter their meaning. It encompasses the dynamic interplay between form and meaning, as images are adapted and repurposed to convey new messages and interpretations. This concept holds significant importance in religious history, particularly during periods of profound religious changes and upheaval.

Throughout the book, numerous accounts from antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the modern period are presented to illustrate the intricate ways in which cult images have been subjected to misinterpretation and transformation. These accounts shed light on the symbolic and material alterations that occurred as these images were appropriated, manipulated, and reinterpreted by different religious communities and individuals.

The book appeals to scholars engaged in the fields of art history, visual culture, and religious history. It provides a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the complex interplay between religious imagery, cultural practices, and historical contexts. By examining the symbolic and material alterations of religious images, the book offers insights into the enduring power of visual representation and its role in shaping religious beliefs, practices, and identities.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032030654