IMC 2008: Sessions

Session 121: Art and Nature, I: Architecture

Monday 7 July 2008, 11.15-12.45

Sponsor:	Classical / Byzantine / Medieval Section and Research Forum, Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London
Organiser:	Laura Cleaver, Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London
Moderator/Chair:	Lindy Grant, Graduate Centre for Medieval Studies, University of Reading
Paper 121-a	Flower Power?: A Curious Tympanum at Toledo Cathedral (Language: English) Tom Nickson, Department of History of Art, University of York Index terms: Architecture - Religious, Art History - Sculpture
Paper 121-b	Unnatural Ornament: Beverley Minster and Historical Consciousness in the Early English Style (Language: English) Matthew H. Woodworth, Department of Art, Art History & Visual Studies, Duke University Index terms: Architecture - Religious, Art History - General, Historiography - Medieval
Paper 121-c	Foliate Encounters of the Jerusalem Kind: Form and Meaning in the Architecture of the North Transept of Nicosia Cathedral (Language: English) Michalis Olympios, Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London / University of Cyprus Index terms: Architecture - Religious, Art History - General, Liturgy
Abstract	This is the first of three session exploring references to the natural world in ecclesiastical art and architecture. The session will examine the use of natural motifs in architectural sculpture, contrasting the natural and artificial. The papers will consider how details modelled on nature were adapted for use within buildings and how these relate to the structures as a whole. They will also explore the reasons behind the choice and rejection of natural imagery by artists and communities. The speakers will focus on monuments from Spain, England and Cyprus, bringing together a range of perspectives on a widely used iconography.