The Mineral and the Visual: Precious Stones in Medieval Secular Culture

In the European Middle Ages, precious stones were highly valued and used in secular medieval art to reflect on the power of nature and the experience of mineralized beings. Brigitte Buettner's book "The Mineral and the Visual" examines the social roles, cultural meanings, and active agency of precious stones in this art, focusing on three significant categories: the jeweled crown, the pictorialized lapidary, and the illustrated travel account. The global gem trade brought coveted jewels from the Indies to Europe, enriching both the material and intellectual world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2022
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

In the captivating world of art during the European Middle Ages, opulent jeweled objects held a revered status, surpassing all other artistic creations in terms of value. These magnificent pieces, adorned with sparkling gemstones, captivated the hearts and minds of people, igniting profound reflections on the awe-inspiring power of nature and the enigmatic experiences of mineralized beings.

Yet, the allure of precious stones extended far beyond their mere visual splendor. They became agents of transformation, shaping the very fabric of medieval thought and culture. In her groundbreaking book, "The Mineral and the Visual," art historian Brigitte Buettner delves into the intricate social roles, cultural meanings, and active agency of precious stones in secular medieval art.

Through a comprehensive exploration of three significant categories of art—the jeweled crown, the pictorialized lapidary, and the illustrated travel account—Buettner uncovers the multifaceted ways in which gems played a central role in aesthetic, ideological, intellectual, and economic practices. She sheds light on the global gem trade, which facilitated the importation of coveted jewels from distant lands, including Byzantium, the Islamic world, Persia, and India. These precious imports not only adorned the bodies of fashionable individuals in London and Paris but also adorned the crowns of kings, symbolizing their power and prestige.

What sets "The Mineral and the Visual" apart is its original, transhistorical, and cross-disciplinary approach. Buettner challenges traditional methodologies and encourages scholars and students to engage with the material dimension of culture. By examining the intricate relationships between gems, art, and society, she offers a fresh perspective on the complex tapestry of medieval life.

This book will be of immense value to scholars and students alike, particularly those who are passionate about medieval art history, material culture, and medieval history. It provides a rich tapestry of insights that will deepen our understanding of this captivating period and its profound impact on the world.

Weight: 1242g
Dimension: 210 x 262 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271092508