| title: | Liturgy and Images in Estonian Medieval Churches |
|---|---|
| reg no: | ETF5976 |
| project type: | Estonian Science Foundation research grant |
| subject: |
6.5. Art history and criticism |
| status: | accepted |
| institution: | Institute of History |
| head of project: | Kersti Markus |
| duration: | 01.01.2004 - 31.12.2006 |
| description: | Majority of our medieval art heritage is situated in churches, but contrary to contemporary understanding people of that time did not estimate painting and sculpture for their aesthetic qualities. Choices were made according to the requirements of cult and liturgy. The interior of the church has also changed: amidst medieval walls a Lutheran service is now held and former Catholic furnishing has been rearranged or even destroyed. Therefore it is difficult nowadays to imagine the medieval space and understand the original meaning of surviving artefacts.Regardless of this fragmentary material, art historians of the recent decades have been more and more interested in a complex approach to medieval art, including the relationship btw art and liturgy. In Estonian art history medieval sacred architecture is treated strictly in style-historical context, almost completely disregarding the real purpose of erecting these edifices. Elegant explorations of architectural detail and search for their European parallels, based on analysis of style, are dominant. Goal of the present research is to change this attitude towards studying and teaching medieval art in Estonia and to show the possibilities our art heritage has to offer. The present project is intended as a logical sequel to the PI-s research in the field of medieval architecture and art. Helen Bome has only recently defended her Master's degree and is at the beginning of her scientific carrier, but has already proved to be a promising researcher. The grant would enable her to continue her studies uninterrupted. The outcome of the project will be published as a thematic issue of "Studies on Art and Architecture" of 2007, with contributions from theologians and historians. This collection of articles would draw researchers' attention to the possibilities of interdisciplinary approach and be applicable to the students of theology, art history and folkloristics as well as to wider public. |
| project group | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no | name | institution | position | |
| 1. | Helen Bome | |||
| 2. | Kersti Markus | Institute of History | Head of the Department of Art History | |