Arts and crafts in the Middle Ages : $b a description of mediaeval workmanship in several of the departments of applied art, together with some account of special artisans in the early RenaissanceAddison, Julia de Wolf
History
Arts and crafts in the Middle Ages : $b a description of mediaeval workmanship in several of the departments of applied art, together with some account of special artisans in the early Renaissance
Addison, Julia de Wolf
Arts and crafts movement; Decoration and ornament, Medieval; Decorative arts -- History; Illumination of books and manuscripts
There is little goldsmith's work of the Norman period in Great
Britain, for that was a time of the building of large structures,
and probably minor arts and personal adornment took a secondary
place.
[Illustration: BERNWARD'S CROSS AND CANDLESTICKS, HILDESHEIM]
Perhaps the most satisfactory display of mediaeval arts and crafts
which may be seen in one city is at Hildesheim: the special richness
of remains of the tenth century is owing to the life and example
of an early bishop--Bernward--who ruled the See from 993 to 1022.
Before he was made bishop, Bernward was tutor to the young Emperor
Otto III. He was a student of art all his life, and a practical
craftsman, working largely in metals, and training up a Guild of
followers in the Cathedral School. He was extremely versatile: one
of the great geniuses of history. In times of war he was Commander
in Chief of Hildesheim; he was a traveller, having made pilgrimages
to Rome and Paris, and the grave of St. Martin at Tours. This wide
culture was unusual in those days; it is quite evident from his
active life of accomplishment in creative art, that good Bishop
Bernward was not to be numbered among those who expected the end of
the world to occur in the year 1000 A. D. Of his works to be seen
in Hildesheim, there are splendid examples. The Goldsmith's School
under his direction was famous.
He was created bishop in 992; Taugmar pays him a tribute, saying:
"He was an excellent penman, a good painter, and as a household
manager was unequalled." Moreover, he "excelled in the mechanical
no less than in the liberal arts." In fact, a visit to Hildesheim
to-day proves that to this man who lived ten centuries ago is due
the fact that Hildesheim is the most artistic city in Germany from
the antiquarian's point of view. This bishop influenced every branch
of art, and with so vital an influence, that his See city is still
full of his works and personality. He was not only a practical
worker in the arts and crafts, but he was also a collector, forming
quite a museum for the further instruction of the students who came
in touch with him. He decorated the walls of his cathedral; the great
candelabrum, or corona, which circles above the central aisle of the
cathedral, was his own design, and the work of his followers; and
the paschal column in the cathedral was from his workshop, wrought
as delightfully as would be possible in any age, and yet executed
nearly a thousand years ago. No bishop ever deserved sainthood
more, or made a more practical contribution to the Church. Pope
Celestine III. canonized him in 1194.
Bernward came of a noble family. His figure may be seen--as near
an approach to a portrait of this great worker as we have--among
the bas-reliefs on the beautiful choir-screen in St. Michael's
Church in Hildesheim.
[Illustration: BERNWARD'S CHALICE, HILDESHEIM]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account