Overview

In 2013, during the excavation of the archaeological site of Pétermonostora (Hungary), two exceptionally large enamel plaques were discovered. The reliquary they belonged to was made by a Mosan artist, possibly in the Meuse Valley, a major intellectual and artistic centre of the period. The artwork's remains constitute one of the greatest discoveries in medieval Hungarian archaeology. Even though the site was completely destroyed by the Mongols in 1241, its remains, and especially artefacts like the reliquary, create a unique image of a large, thriving settlement, home to a Latin Christian masterpiece. Given the destruction of sources and artworks in the region, Pétermonostora offers a rare opportunity to examine artistic, cultural, and historical aspects of high medieval East-Central Europe. Dr. Sophie Balace (Curator of metalworks at the Royal Museums of Art and History, Brussels): “The discovery of the Pétermonostora plaques is as extraordinary as it is unexpected. Although Mosan goldwork remains are still relatively numerous, their discovery in an archaeological context is rare. The archaeological discovery of important goldsmith ornamental fragments on the site of Pétermonostora constitutes a major contribution to Mosan heritage. This attribution, which seems to be irrefutable, brings sensational new information to the study of medieval art.”

Full Product Details

Author:   Bernát Rácz
Publisher:   Archaeopress
Imprint:   Archaeopress Archaeology
Weight:   0.721kg
ISBN:  

9781803279817

ISBN 10:   1803279818
Pages:   120
Publication Date:   20 March 2025
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Foreword Introduction   1. The History of Pétermonostora The Site  The Settlement  The Basilica and the Monastery  The Artistic and Material Culture of the Basilica  Signs of the Mongol Destruction  Introduction to the Reliquary    2. The Reliquary’s Stylistic Links Description of the Enamels  Technical and Stylistic Description of the Fragments  The Origin of the Style: Rhine or Meuse?  Tracing the Design: Decorative Indicators  The Mosan Manuscripts and Enamels  The Origins of the Technique  The Issue of Limoges  The Style of the Side Cover and the Angel Plaque    3. The Reliquary’s Shape The Two Enamel Plaques  Narrative and Communicative Function  The Largest Existing Phylactery Plaques  The Angel Plaque  The Side Cover Eucharistic Aspects of Phylactery-Shaped Compositions  Other Fragments    4. The Patronage and the Relic The Becse-Gergely Kindred and the Monastery  Pétermonostora as a Private Monastery  The Relic  The Reliquary’s Connection to the Court of Béla III    Conclusion List of Images Bibliography

Reviews

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Author Website:  

Countries Available

All regions