Gothic Art: Glorious Visions

Gothic Art: Glorious Visions

"When we look at the soaring spaces of Chartres cathedral or the shimmering pages of a gilded and painted manuscript, we are witnesses to a new kind of vision. In this radical reappraisal of Gothic art in Europe, the word "Gothic" describes not only an art style but a changing concept of space, time, and society - a new kind of perception, both visual and spiritual, in which light is of central importance. Camille shows us how the art of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries was seen in its own time and explores the way vision itself was understood. In this age of glorious painting, magnificent, intricate architecture and sculpture, and jewellike manuscript illumination, art was an expression of religious passion and earthly power, of public and private wealth; of science and learning. The new vision led to an explosion of brilliant images but had its grim side, rarely noticed by art history: the distorted representation of "others" like Jews, heretics, and lepers; a new vision not only of the marvelous, but also of the grotesque."--Jacket.

Michael Camille

New ways of seeing Gothic art -- New visions of space (The heavenly Jerusalem ; celestial light ; earthly vistas) -- New visions of time -- New visions of god -- New visions of nature (Flowers and gardens ; Beasts and birds ; Bodies and borders) -- New visions of the self (Portraits and performers ; Mirrors and lovers ; Artist and viewers).

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