Overview

The Crusades began as expeditions called by the Pope to regain the Holy Land and liberate oppressed Christians living there. One of the least-known aspects of the Crusades is the art that was commissioned by Crusaders in the Holy Land from the time they took Jerusalem in July 1099 to their defeat by the Mamluks in 1291. This book focuses on the full range of Crusader painting (manuscript illumination, frescoes, mosaics, and icon painting) to tell the fascinating story of the development of Crusader art. Jaroslav Folda, a leading expert in the field, identifies Crusader art as a remarkable Near Eastern phenomenon made by Crusader artists resident and trained in the East. Explaining the major artistic trends that emerged from the Greek East and the Latin West, the author suggests that Crusader art played a significant role in transmitting the Byzantinizing tradition of the maniera greca to Italy and Europe up until the end of the 13th century. This assertion leads to the important conclusion that Crusader art had an influence on artistic developments leading up to the early stages of the Italian Renaissance. Crusader Art is the first book to illustrate a wide range of important works of Crusader art in colour, including surviving architectural examples, works of sculpture, mosaics, frescoes, manuscripts, icons, ivory carvings, metalwork, and coins. Essential reading for scholars, students, travellers to the Near East, and enthusiasts alike.

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9780853319955

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Reviews

'First class. .. Crusader Art has been receiving more attention in recent years, but Jaroslav Folda is definitely the international leader in the field. I think all libraries will want to buy this, not least because it contains a stunning new idea: that crusader art had an influence on the early stages of the Renaissance. Folda is very well known ideed ... Art history is a subject of growing importance to historians of the Latin East. I think historians will flock to buy this book.' - Jonathan Riley-Smith, Dixie Professor of Ecclesiastical History Emeritus, Emmanuel College Cambridge

'First class...Jaroslav Folda is definitely the international leader in the field...all libraries will want to buy this, not least because it contains a stunning new idea: that crusader art had an influence on the early stages of the Renaissance...historians will flock to buy this book.' -Jonathan Riley-Smith, Dixie Professor of Ecclesiastical History Emeritus, Emmanuel College Cambridge 'Crusader Art provides the first accessible account of the buildings, images, manuscripts, coins and reliquaries that the settlers commissioned in their new homeland ... scholars will want to buy this for its wonderful colour images. For everyone else, this volume is the perfect place to start to learn about the art of the Crusaders'. Antony Eastmond, Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London '... Folda is a dynamic force in the study of the art and architecture produced in the medieval Mediterranean ... This systematic analysis of the architecture, decorative arts, icon painting and manuscript illumination presents for the reader a survey of Crusader art. Folda also provides new evidence suggesting the transferal of the Byzantine tradition of maniera greca through the Crusades to the then-flourishing Italian art world ... Detailed maps, lavish colour illustrations, notes and a bibliography make this resource desirable for all library collections ... Recommended.' Choice '... a fascinating and accessible account of this little known chapter in the history of medieval art.' Arlis 'A clear and concise text complete with lavish color illustrations, notes, and bibliography make this volume a fundamental tool for understanding of the art of this era.' Arlis 'The illustrations are of excellent quality' International Review of Biblical Studies 'Folda is the authority on Crusader art. This celebration of the visual traditions to which he has dedicated his career is designed for a more general readership. While the academic reader will not find new or detailed information about the art of the crusades, even specialist scholars will be particularly interested in this vivid, succinct and integrated narrative of Crusader art and its development.' CAA

'First class. .. Crusader Art has been receiving more attention in recent years, but Jaroslav Folda is definitely the international leader in the field. I think all libraries will want to buy this, not least because it contains a stunning new idea: that crusader art had an influence on the early stages of the Renaissance. Folda is very well known ideed ... Art history is a subject of growing importance to historians of the Latin East. I think historians will flock to buy this book.' - Jonathan Riley-Smith, Dixie Professor of Ecclesiastical History Emeritus, Emmanuel College Cambridge 'Folda is the authority on Crusader art. This celebration of the visual traditions to which he has dedicated his career is designed for a more general readership. While the academic reader will not find new or detailed information about the art of the crusades, even specialist scholars will be particularly interested in this vivid, succinct, and integrated narrative of Crusader art and its development.' CAA

Author Information

Jaroslav Folda is N. Ferebee Taylor Professor in the History of Art at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is the international leader in the growing field of studies of the art of the Crusades.

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