Avori "arabo-siculi" nel Mediterraneo medievale
Author(s)
Armando, Silvia
Date Issued
July 4, 2012
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
The so-called ‘Siculo-Arabic’ ivories are a quite large group of artifacts, whose decoration is
inspired by Islamic repertoires; at the same time it may include Christian subjects. Many objects
were preserved since the Middle Age in European church treasuries, where they were often
employed as reliquaries.
Several surveys were carried out in Italy and abroad, realizing specific photographic campaigns,
with the aim of deepening technical aspects, generally neglected by previous studies.
The work is divided in two parts: text and tools.
Tools:
Maps concerning the distribution of artifacts
Database, containing the catalog of more than one-hundred objects: they can be observed in many
details and their data can be easily crossed.
Census, containing the main references about all the ‘Siculo-Arabic’ ivories identified (320 items)
Text:
Chapter I, general issues: medieval Mediterranean ivory production, availability and ivory trade.
Historiographical frame; open questions: chronology, place of production, artisans and patrons,
classification.
Chapter II, analytical study of the objects: material, assembly and decorative techniques. Proposal
about classification; considerations concerning production dynamics and workshops.
Chapter III: The Cappella Palatina Treasury in Palermo: philological study; direct analysis of the
objects (including observation with UV light, which led to read important traces of paintings).
Incrustation technique and main issues connected with this production and its possible relation with
the ‘Siculo-Arabic’ one.
Final remarks cross general issues, results of direct study, and considerations about distribution.
New suggestions about production dynamics and fruition are proposed together with possible
further researches.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Memoria e materia delle opere d’arte attraverso i
processi di produzione, storicizzazione, conservazione, musealizzazione
processi di produzione, storicizzazione, conservazione, musealizzazione
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