This is the Cloisters Cross, a highly intricate work of art made in the 12th century by an unknown artist (it was probably made by a skilled craftsman under supervision of someone of the Church). This cross is made up of five separate pieces of walrus tusks (also known as morse ivory) put together and this piece was designed to be held in a person's hand. Here is a great picture taken by another blogger that will help you to visualize the size of this cross. This religious piece was crafted in Eastern England, where there was a surge of building and creating anything with religious significance. This piece was made in the mid-12th century, when there was still a transition to rule under Norman invasion.
At first glance, this piece is a beautiful work that showcases the artistic ability of England at that time. Looking closer, the viewer can see the various of Latin inscriptions and the intricacy of the several figures carved into the tusks. The eye is immediately drawn to the center circle where the artist most likely placed the utmost important iconography. Then, the eye travels to the other sections of the cross, going through the Latin inscriptions and ending each part of the cross with more depictions of religious events. The medium is all the same, so the craftsman had to use depth techniques to create a clear picture and allow for the audience to understand his message. This, along with his choice to use Latin scriptures, indicates that his audience is higher class and well-educated Christians.
All of the images have some kind of religious connotation, and according to the information section under the Metropolitan's website, some of the pictures and writings are directed against Jews. This raises some questions about the ulterior purpose of this cross. With the added knowledge about the meaning of the Latin, today's audience now sees this cross as a propaganda piece against Judaism; this paints a negative picture of Christians during this time period. This piece attacks people who practice Judaism and glorifies the righteousness of Christianity. Well, recently we read a text that also attacks a religion other than Christianity and depicts Christianity as an ideal religion: our favorite epic ever, Beowulf! This highlights an interesting characteristic of people that transcends time: the tendency for people to attack an aspect of a culture that seems foreign or even barbaric to them.
All of the images have some kind of religious connotation, and according to the information section under the Metropolitan's website, some of the pictures and writings are directed against Jews. This raises some questions about the ulterior purpose of this cross. With the added knowledge about the meaning of the Latin, today's audience now sees this cross as a propaganda piece against Judaism; this paints a negative picture of Christians during this time period. This piece attacks people who practice Judaism and glorifies the righteousness of Christianity. Well, recently we read a text that also attacks a religion other than Christianity and depicts Christianity as an ideal religion: our favorite epic ever, Beowulf! This highlights an interesting characteristic of people that transcends time: the tendency for people to attack an aspect of a culture that seems foreign or even barbaric to them.
I got some outside information from: https://books.google.com/books?id=5LNV5wyNnHUC&printsec=frontcover&hl=en#v=onepage&q&f=false
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ReplyDeleteBe sure you do more with the little picture- look at and cite specific examples of format, structure, language, etc. It will strengthen your analysis and provide more depth/ examination of effect in your big picture. Also- think about effect of choices (by the artist here) on the audience.
ReplyDeleteBut love your connection to Beowulf!
DeleteWow! I love your big picture analysis about how people slander those who they feel are inferior to them. I definitely agree with that statement, and it is awful but very interesting that this characteristic pertains to humans throughout time. The suggestion that I have is similar to Mrs. Genesky--I would have liked more analysis of the detail in the artwork and its meaning. Great job nonetheless!
ReplyDeleteLooking at it, all I can think is "The power of Christ compels you, the power of Christ compels you." It's odd to think of it as such a serious symbol of faith. And I would never have expected the piece to be so big! Wow! So far as I can tell, getting morse ivory kills the walrus (it's surprisingly difficult to find a definitive statement and I want to go to bed), and I like to consider the metaphorical implications of using death to carve an anti-semitic cross.
ReplyDeleteI love the part about the center circle and how the eye travels around the rest of it in accordance to that I also like how you gave us a size perspective as well which is something I think you only did so kudos I'm jelly! And I would have never thought of that whole anti-Antisemitism propaganda theory so that was really interesting as well. Overall great job buddy!
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