The Invention of Norman Visual Culture: Art, Politics, and Dynastic Ambition

Description

In this book, Lisa Reilly establishes a new interpretive paradigm for the eleventh and twelfth-century art and architecture of the Norman world in France, England, and Sicily. Traditionally, scholars have considered iconic works like the Cappella Palatina and the Bayeux Embroidery in a geographically piecemeal fashion that prevents us from seeing their full significance. Here, Reilly examines these works individually and within the larger context of a connected Norman world. Just as Rollo founded the Normandy 'of different nationalities', the Normans created a visual culture that relied on an assemblage of forms. To the modern eye, these works are perceived as culturally diverse. As Reilly demonstrates, the multiple sources for Norman visual culture served to expand their meaning. Norman artworks represented the cultural mix of each locale, and the triumph of Norman rule, not just as a military victory but as a legitimate succession, and often as the return of true Christian rule. Cover Half-title Title page Copyright information Dedication Contents List of Illustrations Acknowledgments One Introduction Past Questions Normandy Anglo-Norman Historiography Sicily The Invention of Norman Visual Culture Two Vikings into Normans Dudo and the Historia Normannorum Three Anglo-Norman England: From Duke to King Conclusion Plates Four Norman Sicily: The Invention of a Kingdom The Creation of the Kingdom Approaches to Understanding the Art and Architecture of Norman Sicily The Cappella Palatina The Muqarnas Ceiling of the Nave Pavement Mosaics Central Apse and Choir/Sanctuary The Dome The Nave West Wall and Royal Dais The Aisles Conclusion to Mosaics Cefalù The Norman Porphyry Tombs Conclusion to Architecture The Coronation Mantle Conclusion Five Conclusion Selected Bibliography Primary Sources General Kingship General: Normans Normandy England Sicily Index