'A Lesson for the People': Reflections on Image and Habitus in Medieval Insular Iconography

While the image of David as the model-setting pious musician was undoubtedly implicit in medieval Christian iconography, the question arises as to whether the inclusion of musician figures on 8th- to10th-century insular (British and Irish) stone carvings should necessarily be interpreted as Davids i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:RIdIM-RCMI newsletter 1995-04, Vol.20 (1), p.3-9
Main Author: Buckley, Ann
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Carving
Crosses
Iconography
Irish literature
Irish music
Lyres
Musical instruments
Musical performance
Musicians
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:While the image of David as the model-setting pious musician was undoubtedly implicit in medieval Christian iconography, the question arises as to whether the inclusion of musician figures on 8th- to10th-century insular (British and Irish) stone carvings should necessarily be interpreted as Davids in instances where no reference to music occurs in the Vulgate narrative. The presence of a string player in scenes suchas the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes, and the Judgment of Solomon, suggests the influence of local custom; the hypothesis is strengthened by examination of certain details in the seating position and clothing of musicians on the monuments.
ISSN:0360-8727
1522-7464
2169-8317
2169-9488