
The Tree and the Column
The Bronze Door of Hildesheim
Isabelle Marchesin(Author)
Cornell University Press
Published on 15. March 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
240 pages
978-1-5017-6866-8 (ISBN)
Description
The Tree and the Column examines the bronze door of Hildesheim Cathedral, which is not only a masterpiece of Ottonian art but is among the most recognizable and studied works of medieval sculpture. Commissioned by Bishop Bernward of Hildesheim and cast around 1015, the door's two leaves feature the oldest-known monumental image cycle in German sculpture, depicting significant events from the Old and New Testaments. Isabelle Marchesin closely reads each of the door's sixteen panels, analyzing the detailed iconography to excavate the elaborate theological and deeply spiritual significance of the biblical scenes cast into metal.
Studying the door's technical, material, political, and theological dimensions, Marchesin argues that Bernward intended the cathedral door to be read and reread like scripture so that unifying messages about God's presence in the world could be understood. Featuring nearly two hundred detailed color photographs of the panels that reveal their remarkable artistry and materiality, The Tree and the Column offers an innovative explication of a total work of medieval art.
Studying the door's technical, material, political, and theological dimensions, Marchesin argues that Bernward intended the cathedral door to be read and reread like scripture so that unifying messages about God's presence in the world could be understood. Featuring nearly two hundred detailed color photographs of the panels that reveal their remarkable artistry and materiality, The Tree and the Column offers an innovative explication of a total work of medieval art.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Ithaca
United States
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
194 color halftones, 2 b&w line drawings, 2 maps - 194 Halftones, color - 2 Maps - 2 Line drawings, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 279 mm
Width: 216 mm
Weight
1361 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5017-6866-8 (9781501768668)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Isabelle Marchesin is Chief Curator of the National Museum of Port-Royal des Champs. Previously the head of the Medieval Department at the Institut National d'Histoire de l'Art and a visiting scholar at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, she focuses her research on early medieval images, visual semiotics, and the links between art and epistemology.
Janice Bertrand Owen, PhD, was a scholar of French literature who taught at the University of Colorado Boulder. She loved teaching and being among those who treasure the study of European languages, literature, and history.
Ester Zago, PhD, was Associate Professor Emerita of French and Italian at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she received a BFA Award for Excellence in Teaching and Pedagogy.
Janice Bertrand Owen, PhD, was a scholar of French literature who taught at the University of Colorado Boulder. She loved teaching and being among those who treasure the study of European languages, literature, and history.
Ester Zago, PhD, was Associate Professor Emerita of French and Italian at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she received a BFA Award for Excellence in Teaching and Pedagogy.
Content
Facing the Door
1. Life
2. Love
3. Deformation
4. Division
5. Death
6. Time
7. Covenant
8. Foundation
9. Gospel
10. Conversion
11. Law
12. Liturgy
13. Evil
14. Rebuilding
15. Light
16. Communion
1. Life
2. Love
3. Deformation
4. Division
5. Death
6. Time
7. Covenant
8. Foundation
9. Gospel
10. Conversion
11. Law
12. Liturgy
13. Evil
14. Rebuilding
15. Light
16. Communion