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IMC 2019: Sessions

Session 1336: Material Objects Teeming with Life

Wednesday 3 July 2019, 16.30-18.00

Sponsor:Discussion, Interpretation & Study of Textile Arts, Fabrics & Fashion (DISTAFF)
Organiser:Gale R. Owen-Crocker, Department of English & American Studies, University of Manchester
Moderator/Chair:Gale R. Owen-Crocker, Department of English & American Studies, University of Manchester
Paper 1336-aImages of Spinning in Flemish Prayer Books
(Language: English)
Paula Carns, Literature & Languages Library, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Index terms: Art History - Painting, Manuscripts and Palaeography, Social History, Women's Studies
Paper 1336-bWeaving the Body, Piercing the Veil: On the Materiality of Two Byzantine Aer-Epitaphioi from Mount Athos
(Language: English)
Aimee Caya, Department of Art History & Art, Case Western Reserve University, Ohio / Cleveland Museum of Art
Index terms: Art History - Decorative Arts, Byzantine Studies, Theology
Paper 1336-cThreading Life into a 15th-Century Jesse Tree Altar Frontal
(Language: English)
Anne Kirkham, Department of Art History & Visual Studies, University of Manchester
Index terms: Art History - Decorative Arts, Biblical Studies, Lay Piety, Religious Life
Abstract

In 14th-century Flemish prayer books, images of spinners jostle with other marginalia. Our first paper examines the spinner in Flemish culture and religious experience. Our second focuses on two Byzantine aer-epitaphioi, considering the symbolic significance of weaving and embroidering within the context of Byzantine theology and religious iconography, and the evocation of Christ's Incarnation and Passion. The third examines a Jesse Tree on a 15th-century altar frontal in the Whitworth Art Gallery, with a lively presentation of the Kings of Israel, a 'Tree' and grazing animals. The cloth's materiality enhanced the animation of this accompaniment to the Mass ritual.