Across the nine thematic chapters of Experiencing Medieval Art, renowned art historian Herbert L. Kessler considers functional objects as well as paintings and sculptures; the circumstances, processes, and materials of production; the conflictual relationship between art objects and notions of an ineffable deity; the context surrounding medieval art; and questions of apprehension, aesthetics, and modern presentation. He also introduces the exciting discoveries and revelations that have revolutionized contemporary understanding of medieval art and identifies the vexing challenges that still remain. With 16 color plates and 81 images in all-including the stained glass of Chartres Cathedral, the mosaics of San Marco, and the Utrecht Psalter, as well as newly discovered works such as the frescoes in Rome's aula gotica and a twelfth-century aquamanile in Hildesheim-Experiencing Medieval Art makes the complex history of medieval art accessible for students of art history and scholars of medieval history, theology, and literature.

About the Author
Herbert L. Kessler is a professor emeritus in the Department of the History of Art at Johns Hopkins University.

Reviews

"Incorporating abundant multilingual publications, this engaging study will serve as an indispensable reference book and catalyst for further inquiry. The figures and plates were well chosen and elaborated on throughout the work. It is laudatory that Kessler made such an encompassing study flow so seamlessly and invitingly."

-- Elizabeth Marie Sandoval, Williams College Museum of Art * Journal of British Studies *

"Experiencing Medieval Art taught me a great deal about medieval art. Its comprehensive index provides a useful starting point for doing research into individual topics like The Last Supper or a medium like stained glass and many more. Individual chapters might easily be assigned in an undergraduate classroom, or the work as a whole would serve any medievalist's library well. It is an excellent resource for faculty wanting to speak more effectively about medieval material in their own classrooms."

-- Christina Francis, Bloomsburg University * Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Teaching *



Book Information
ISBN 9781442600713
Author Herbert L. Kessler
Format Paperback
Page Count 296
Imprint University of Toronto Press
Publisher University of Toronto Press
Weight(grams) 520g
Dimensions(mm) 226mm * 152mm * 23mm