Anglo-Saxon Crucifixion Iconography and the Art of the Monastic Revival

This book provides a major study of the drawings, paintings and carvings of the crucifixion from tenth- and eleventh-century England, placing these works of art within the context of the tenth-century monastic revival. The drawings and paintings of the crucifixion are discussed in relation to the literature, theology, liturgy and devotional practices of the late Anglo-Saxon period in order to reveal the richness and subtlety of religious belief at this time. Late Anglo-Saxon religious art is shown to have played a central role in the monastic life; it called to mind the gospel events and set out their theological significance; it demonstrated the truth of the gospel message; it moved men's hearts, allowing them to experience the presence of Christ and to respond as though they had actually been present at His death.

List of plates; Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations and note on the text; Introduction; 1. The nature and purpose of Anglo-Saxon church art; 2. The place of the crucifix in Anglo-Saxon religious life; 3. Crucifixion pictures in context; 4. Anglo-Saxon crucifixion iconography and the theology of the early mediaeval period; 5. The crucifix with angels; 6. The crucifix with the crowned Christ; 7. Minor iconographic types; 8. Artistic themes and the thought of the period; Catalogue and index of works of art; Bibliography; Index.

This book provides a major study of the drawings, paintings and carvings of the crucifixion from tenth- and eleventh-century England, placing these works of art within the context of the tenth-century monastic revival. The drawings and paintings of the crucifixion are discussed in relation to the literature, theology, liturgy and devotional practices of the late Anglo-Saxon period.