Exploring the medieval heritage of Aberdeenshire and Moray; the essays in this volume contain insights and recent work presented at the British Archaeological Association Conference of 2014; based at Aberdeen University. The opening; historical chapters establish the political; economic and administrative context of the region; looking at both the secular and religious worlds and include an examination of Elgin Cathedral and the bishopsrsquo; palaces. The discoveries at the excavations of the kirk of St Nicholas; which have revealed the early origins of religious life in Aberdeen city; are summarized and subsequent papers consider the role of patronage. Patronage is explored in terms of architecture; the dramas of the Reformation and its aftermath highlighted through essentially humble parish churches; assailed by turbulent events and personalities. The collegiate church at Cullen; particularly its tomb sculpture; provides an unusually detailed view of the spiritual and dynastic needs of its patrons. The decoration of spectacular ceilings; both carved and painted; at St Macharrsquo;s Cathedral; Provost Skenersquo;s House and Crathes Castle; are surveyed through the eyes of their patrons and the viewers below. Saints and religious devotion feature in the last four chapters; focusing on the carved wooden panels from Fetteresso; which display both piety and a rare glimpse of Scottish medieval carnal humour; the illuminated manuscripts from Arbuthnott; the Aberdeen Breviary and Historia Gentis Scotorum.The medieval artistic culture of north-east Scotland is both battered by time and relatively little known. With discerning interpretation; this volume shows that much high-quality material still survives; while the lavish illustrations restore some glamour to this lost medieval world.
#3603405 in eBooks 2008-04-25 2008-04-25File Name: B01E40Y62O
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