Transfigurations: studies in the dynamics of Byzantine iconography.

Cutler, Anthony, 1934-

Published by University Park: Pennsylvania State University, 1975

About this Item

worn dust-jacket with a few chips and tears, spine faded by light, very good light brown cloth. CUTLER, ANTHONY. Transfigurations: studies in the dynamics of Byzantine iconography. University Park: Pennsylvania State University, 1975, xvi, 158pp., . In this investigation of three well-known motifs of Byzantine art the author establishes a relationship between changes of formal detail and varied contexts of meaning. Although the motifs studied occur throughout the thousand years of Byzantine history, they are seen not as static indicators of significance but as expressing changing aspects of meaning through modification of the details of form or composition. These changes of form are shown to be previously unconsidered aspects of iconography. Rather than investigating the Classical or Early Christian origins of these motifs, as is traditional in most scholarship, Dr. Cutler focuses on their adaptation to varying iconographical requirements and relates these changes to the shifting religious and political history of Byzantium. In illustrating this thesis, the author draws on a wide range of examples in mosaic, wall painting, manuscript illumination, and coins and controls his analysis by reference to Byzantine historical and theological literature. The result is a new understanding of major elements of Byzantine art and creativity and a method of approach widely applicable to other aspects of both Eastern and Western medieval iconography. - Anthony Cutler is Professor of Art History at Penn State. An earlier work translated and annotated by Dr. Cutler, Newer Temples of the Creeks by Leo Allatios, was selected by Choice as one of the Outstanding Academic Books of the Year. 9780271011943 ISBN 0271011947. Seller Inventory # 91332

Bibliographic Details

Title: Transfigurations: studies in the dynamics of...

Publisher: University Park: Pennsylvania State University, 1975

Binding: Hardcover

Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included