Lives and Afterlives of Medieval Iconography

The study of iconography involves the analysis of religious images and their meanings, and it remains an important area of research in art history. The seven essays in this volume explore the evolution of iconography over time, place, and culture, and argue that it continues to be relevant to contemporary scholarship. The authors employ a range of approaches to examine how medieval images were transformed and their meanings changed in response to new contexts, ideas, and viewerships. The essays demonstrate that iconographic work remains critical to the study of medieval visual culture and to other disciplines that prioritize the study of images.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2021
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

The study of iconography, a rich and complex field, remains an essential aspect of art historical scholarship for scholars engaged in the field today. It intersects with a wide range of methodological and theoretical approaches, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the visual language of the past. The term "iconography" itself has evolved and adapted to encompass the diverse ways in which images have been interpreted and analyzed over time.

In this collection of seven essays, the authors aim to assess the ongoing relevance of iconographic studies in contemporary art history. They explore the fluidity of iconography across different periods, places, and cultures, examining how medieval images have been transformed and their meanings reimagined. Through a diverse set of approaches, the case studies presented in this volume shed light on how medieval iconographies remained stable or changed, how images were reconceived in response to new contexts, ideas, or viewerships, and how modern thinking about medieval images, including the application or rejection of traditional methodologies, has shaped our understanding of their significance.

The essays in this volume demonstrate that iconographic work continues to hold a critical place within the rapidly evolving discipline of art history. They also highlight the importance of keeping matters of image and meaning at the center of modern inquiry into medieval visual culture. The contributors to this volume, each an expert in their respective field, bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the field.

In conclusion, the study of iconography remains a vital and dynamic field that intersects with various methodological and theoretical approaches. The essays collected here showcase the ongoing relevance of iconographic studies in contemporary art history, emphasizing the importance of preserving and exploring the visual language of the past. By examining the transformation of medieval images and their meanings across time and cultures, these essays provide valuable insights into the rich and complex world of medieval visual culture.

Weight: 1092g
Dimension: 215 x 261 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271086217