ARTH 521(F) The Tenth Century
The Tenth Century often is characterized as an uncertain transition between the "Carolingian Renaissance" and "The Romanesque," and seen as a troubled, chaotic "Dark Age" on the brink of the millennium. Yet the diverse works produced in Anglo-Saxon "England," Capetian "France," Ottonian "Germany," and Mozarabic and Muslim "Spain" challenge this marginalization to emerge as compelling works embedded in complex contexts. This seminar explores tenth-century art and architecture with attention to the wide range of critical issues generated by the works, beginning with the historiographic problem of periodization. Our consideration will include such topics as the emergence and meanings of forms, styles and imagery within and between diverse cultures, the roles of function, patronage and audience within shifting and contested power structures, and gender roles and expectations. Reading knowledge of German and/or French and/or Spanish highly recommended. Requirements: participation; short presentations; final presentation and research paper.