Norwegian Epitaphs 1550-1700: Contexts and Interpretations

A collection of 140 epitaphs from Norway between 1550 and 1700, with illustrations, descriptions, and short biographies, is documented in this volume. The epitaph genre was particularly popular in post-Reformation Lutheranism, and the book offers a detailed insight into the (self-)representation of the elites who commissioned these epitaphs and the most important artists who were entrusted with their production. The main part of the volume presents the surviving epitaphs in Norway's four early modern bishoprics, with pictorial motifs, inscriptions, and biographical studies included in the interpretation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 544 pages
Publication date: 17 January 2023
Publisher: Schnell & Steiner GmbH, Verlag

As part of a comprehensive introduction to the post-Reformation church topography of Norway, a remarkable collection of 140 epitaphs preserved across the country from the period 1550 to 1700 is documented with illustrations, descriptions, and concise biographies. In addition to numerous visual representations of these epitaphs, the volume includes transcriptions of all inscriptions, along with their English translations. Notably, the epitaph genre gained particular popularity in post-Reformation Lutheranism, particularly in Norway, unlike in the Reformed regions of Europe. Furthermore, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the cultural, social, and geographical context surrounding epitaphs, providing a deep insight into the (self-)representation of the elites who commissioned these epitaphs. It also identifies the most prominent artists responsible for creating these epitaphs in Norway.

The main body of the volume consists of a detailed presentation of the surviving epitaphs in Norway's four early modern bishoprics. This includes visual motifs, inscriptions, and biographical studies that contribute to the interpretation of these remarkable artifacts. By examining these epitaphs, the book offers a valuable perspective on the religious, social, and artistic developments of the period, shedding light on the lives and legacies of the individuals commemorated therein.

Overall, this comprehensive volume provides a rich and detailed account of the post-Reformation church topography of Norway, showcasing the enduring significance of epitaphs in capturing the essence of individual lives and the broader cultural and historical context in which they were created.

Weight: 1842g
Dimension: 240 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783795437848