Publication details
The petrified scenography : The frieze of Notre-Dame-la-Grande in Poitiers
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| Year of publication | 2018 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
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| Citation | |
| Description | Considering the decoration of the façade of Notre-Dame-la-Grand (12th century) as a key example (as well as the façade of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela actually), this paper attempts to examine the relationship between the static architectonical elements and para-theatrical events performed in front of it or adjacent to it. The analyzed frieze – the so called “frieze of the incarnation” – runs along the entire length of the façade and depicts several narrative scenes. The textual reference of them seems to be twofold – The Drama of Adam and The Drama of the Prophets (Ordo Prophetarum). The political and theological background of the creation of the facade refers however probably rather to the latter one. This liturgical drama is based on a sermon attributed to St. Augustine (Sermon against Jews, Pagans and Arians) and deals with the role of the Prophets who announced the coming of the Messiah. Since the decoration of the frieze is not understood just as a transcription of the written words, it is contrary considered as a tool for live presentation of the liturgical drama. In this way, the decoration can be perceived as an essential part of the mediation between outside and inside. In other words, this paper analyzes the reasons for “displaying” particular scenes from the drama on the most visible and frequented part of the church (and the most accessible one) – the façade. This paper will therefor analyze those issues through two major aspects; firstly through the dramaturgical purpose of the frize. Secondly through the scenographical point of view, focusing on the spatial references of inside (the choir as the privileged place where liturgical drama took place) and outside (façade as a setting for its unfolding). |
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