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The Chasuble of Thomas Becket: A Biography

Hardback

Main Details

Title The Chasuble of Thomas Becket: A Biography
Authors and Contributors      Edited by Avioam Shalem
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:304
Dimensions(mm): Height 225,Width 300
Category/GenreByzantine and medieval art c 500 CE to c 1400
Textile artworks
ISBN/Barcode 9783777425191
ClassificationsDewey:746.92
Audience
General
Illustrations 180 illustrations in colour and black and white

Publishing Details

Publisher Hirmer Verlag
Imprint Hirmer Verlag
Publication Date 26 October 2017
Publication Country Germany

Description

The so-called chasuble of Thomas Becket (1118-1170) is one of the most magnificent medieval textiles in the Mediterranean region. Richly decorated with ornaments, fabulous animals and figures in lavish gold embroidery with Arabic inscriptions, this precious liturgical garment provides impressive proof of the reutilisation of the Islamic arts in the Christian world. Venerated as a relic of St Thomas of Canterbury, the chasuble was produced in Spanish-Muslim workshops and probably reached Italy as a donation to the Cathedral of Fermo in about 1200. Despite its outstanding artistic quality and fascinating history, this magnificent garment has never hitherto been the subject of a detailed study. Richly illustrated with numerous details, this volume investigates the meaning of the inscriptions and motifs, examines manufacturing techniques and the function of the chasuble, traces its "biography" and places it within the historical context of the political, economic and cultural situation in the Mediterranean region.

Author Biography

Avinoam Shalem is the Riggio Professor of the History of the Arts of Islam. He is the author or editor of ten books, including, most recently, The Image of Muhammad Between Ideal and Ideology: A Scholarly Investigation.