Camille on Medieval Art
Afropea
differing manners. There is the formal and
aesthetic analysis. Art can likewise be related to
its cultural and historical context. One can also
find meaning through an examination of iconography
and symbols. Michael Camille's writings tend to
figure into the last two categories.
Camille's Gothic Art falls within of a series of
books that scans different art historical periods.
Rather than taking a chronological approach or
one which dissects formal style, Camille deals
with issues, such as the Medieval concept of
light and gaze. Though a survey book is probably
still required for the novice, this is a good
introduction to some of the ideas behind the images
When I first saw Camille's The Medieval Art of
Love, I thought it a coffee table book with great
dirty pictures, um, I mean illustrations. It has
that, but it also presents a fascinating text
covering the use of Medieval images as a source of
sexual reference. Particularly fascinating, IMHO,
was the erotic use of symbol and metaphor based
on everyday objects and experiences. Many of
these artworks visually parallel the poems of
the troubadours (including their use of double and
hidden meanings). The Medieval Art of Love also
proves informative in terms of the courtship rituals
of the Middle Ages.
Camille's hefty treatise Gothic Idols, can intimidate
at first. I recall it running at least 300 pages, and it
took me about 150 pages to get truly connected. I was
grateful that I stuck with it, as it grew progressively
more interesting with each page.
In this book, Camille discusses a variety of issues
involving idolatry and the Middle Ages. One important
topic is the use of propaganda created during the
Crusades to convince Christians of Moslem and
Jewish idolatry. Likewise Camile examines the
justifications made for the Christian use of images.
Camille evolves this discussion into an examination
of damsel worship as portrayed through the courtly
ideal.
Camille probes the accusations of idolatry
thrown at the Knights Templar by Philip the Fair.
Camille furthermore contends that the Renaissance
weakened the power of the image by turning it into
a primarily aesthetic experience.
IMHO, a very thought provoking book.
I don't recall the exact title of my final selection.
It might have been Images on the Edge. This book
concerns itself with all those strange creations,
the animals and the monsters, the sexual and the
scatological, which turn up inexplicably within the
borders of Medieval art. These images are found in
the margins of manuscripts, in unexpected places
within sacred precincts, and on the outside of
Cathedrals. Camille explains the multiple meanings
of these oddities. He further discusses their
relationships within the context of their space, how
they relate to the entirety of the work of art, and
how they reflect the society in which they were
produced. All in all, an excellent read.
If anyone has any comments on these books, or the
ideas they put forth, I'd enjoy hearing them.
Needless to say, if anyone has any additional editions of
similar nature, I'd appreciate knowing their titles!
Eve