Illuminating sanctity: the body, soul and glorification of Saint Amand in the miniature cycle in Valenciennes, Bibliothèque municipale, MS 500

Abstract

"Maria R. Grasso's monograph on the twelfth-century illustrated vita of Saint Amand, Valenciennes, Bibliothèque municipale MS 500, presents new information regarding its contents. The author's discovery and analysis of a second almost complete set of preliminary drawings beneath another set of the same drawings demonstrates that important alterations were made prior to the execution of the cycle. Grasso's discussion includes the probable reason for the change: the isolation of the terminating folio depicting the soul of Amand. This important devotional image is the focus of detailed analysis since the soul of Amand rests in the lap of a male figure she convincingly identifies as Christ, an extremely unusual placement for the soul of a saint, demonstrating the creativity of the artists."--

Contents

An introduction to Valenciennes, Bibliothèque municipale, MS 500 -- MS 500: its date and structure -- The artists and techniques in the miniature cycle in MS 500 -- Exegesis and message reinforcement in depictions of Amand in the miniature cycle -- The soul and glorification of Saint Amand -- Conclusion -- Appendices.