IMC 2020: Sessions

Session 1609: The Art of Borders, I: Examining the Meaning and Function of Borders, Edges, and Thresholds in Early Medieval Art

Organisers:	Meg Boulton, Independent Scholar Alexandra M. Lester-Makin, School of Arts, Languages & Cultures, University of Manchester
Moderator/Chair:	Meg Boulton, Independent Scholar
Paper 1609-a	Hogbacks: Bordering Identities (Language: English) Harriet M. Heaton, Centre for Medieval Studies University of York Index terms: Archaeology - Artefacts, Art History - Sculpture
Paper 1609-b	Saintly Surrounds: Borders and Contemplating the Divine on Viking-Age Stone Crosses (Language: English) Amanda Doviak, Department of History of Art, University of York Index terms: Art History - Decorative Arts, Art History - Sculpture, Liturgy
Paper 1609-c	Framing the Picture, Making the Point (Language: English) Elizabeth Coatsworth, now retired Index terms: Archaeology - Artefacts, Art History - Decorative Arts
Abstract	This session explores how medieval art incorporated, established or broke down borders in both real and metaphorical forms as understood through material objects. Physical, visual and conceptual borders are explored to help us understand how early medieval societies understood the world around them. Part one examines visual and conceptual borders as margin and as motif, centralising edges, frames and thresholds across a multiplicity of medieval media. Case studies include Viking-Age hogbacks; Viking-Age stone crosses; and a critical reappraisal of how the meanings and messages of edges communicate across media.