Essor et significations des reliquaires en cristal de roche dans l'Occident latin (1175-1250)
Publisher
Neuchâtel
Date issued
2022
Subjects
Cristal de roche reliquaire reliquaire en cristal de roche histoire de l’art anthropologie Saint-Empire romain germanique douzième siècle corps saint optique médiévale vision spirituelle Rock crystal reliquary rock crystal reliquary art history anthropology Holy Roman Empire twelfth century holy body medieval optics spiritual vision.
Abstract
Ce travail de thèse examine les différents facteurs qui ont conduit entre 1175 et 1250 à une augmentation du nombre de reliquaires en cristal de roche dans les régions occidentales du Saint-Empire romain germanique. À cette fin, une approche fondée sur le matériau, considéré en fonction de ses qualités physiques et de ses attributs symboliques, est privilégiée. Trois justifications en particulier sont mises en exergue dans les différents chapitres. Premièrement, la production de reliquaires en cristal de roche est facilitée par l'amélioration des techniques de taille et une meilleure distribution du quartz brut. Deuxièmement, le développement de ces objets est encouragé par le goût de la période pour la lumière et la transparence. Enfin, leur multiplication s’explique par le symbolisme du cristal de roche, qui entre fortement en résonnance avec le climat spirituel du tournant du XIIIe siècle. Chaque partie du présent manuscrit s'ouvre sur un objet particulier, dont l’étude détaillée illustre les arguments susmentionnés : le reliquaire de la main de saint Attale (vers 1175-1230, Église Saint-Étienne, Strasbourg) ; le bras-reliquaire dit « reliquaire de saint Olaf » (1175-1225, Musée national, Copenhague) ; enfin, l'autel portatif avec plaque de cristal du trésor des Guelfes (vers 1200, Musée des arts décoratifs, Berlin). L'analyse est étayée par diverses annexes, parmi lesquelles un répertoire recensant près de 120 reliquaires produits entre le IXe siècle et la seconde moitié du XIIIe siècle.
ABSTRACT
This thesis examines the various factors that led to an increase in the number of rock crystal reliquaries in the western regions of the Holy Roman Empire between 1175 and 1250. To this end, an approach based on the material, considered from the point of view of its physical qualities and symbolic attributes, is favoured. Three justifications in particular are identified in the various chapters. Firstly, the production of rock crystal reliquaries is facilitated by improved cutting techniques and better distribution of raw quartz. Secondly, the development of these objects is encouraged by the taste of the time for light and transparency. Finally, their multiplication is supported by the symbolism of rock crystal, which has some relevance to the spiritual climate at the turn of the thirteenth century. Each part of this manuscript opens with a detailed study of an object representative of the argument to be addressed : the reliquary of the hand of St. Attale (ca. 1175-1230, Saint-Étienne’s church, Strasbourg) ; the arm-reliquary known as “St. Olaf's reliquary” (1175-1225, Nationalmuseet, Copenhagen) ; and the portable altar with crystal plate from the Guelph treasure (ca. 1200, Kunstgewerbemuseum, Berlin). The analysis is further supported by a repertoire of almost 120 reliquaries produced between the ninth and the second half of the thirteenth century.
ABSTRACT
This thesis examines the various factors that led to an increase in the number of rock crystal reliquaries in the western regions of the Holy Roman Empire between 1175 and 1250. To this end, an approach based on the material, considered from the point of view of its physical qualities and symbolic attributes, is favoured. Three justifications in particular are identified in the various chapters. Firstly, the production of rock crystal reliquaries is facilitated by improved cutting techniques and better distribution of raw quartz. Secondly, the development of these objects is encouraged by the taste of the time for light and transparency. Finally, their multiplication is supported by the symbolism of rock crystal, which has some relevance to the spiritual climate at the turn of the thirteenth century. Each part of this manuscript opens with a detailed study of an object representative of the argument to be addressed : the reliquary of the hand of St. Attale (ca. 1175-1230, Saint-Étienne’s church, Strasbourg) ; the arm-reliquary known as “St. Olaf's reliquary” (1175-1225, Nationalmuseet, Copenhagen) ; and the portable altar with crystal plate from the Guelph treasure (ca. 1200, Kunstgewerbemuseum, Berlin). The analysis is further supported by a repertoire of almost 120 reliquaries produced between the ninth and the second half of the thirteenth century.
Notes
Doctorat, Université de Neuchâtel, Faculté des lettres et sciences humaines, Institut d'histoire de l'art et muséologie
Publication type
doctoral thesis