This study investigates the historical and artistic relationships between the two Benedictine communities that claimed possession of the relics of St. Benedict, namely Montecassino and Fleury. By focusing on the artistic strategies employed in floor mosaic decoration and the veneration of Benedict’s relics, the research uncovers how these elements were used to construct and reinforce their monastic identities. The methodology involves a comparative analysis of the artistic evidence, supported by historical and archaeological documentation. The study highlights the interplay between spirituality and art in shaping Montecassino and Fleury identity and heritage, despite their rivalry over the relics of St. Benedict.
Questo contributo indaga le relazioni storiche e artistiche tra le due maggiori comunità monastiche benedettine che rivendicavano il possesso delle reliquie di san Benedetto, ovvero Montecassino e Fleury. Concentrandosi sulle differenti strategie artistiche attuate nella decorazione dei mosaici pavimentali e in connessione con le reliquie di Benedetto, la ricerca chiarisce gli elementi utilizzati per costruire e rafforzare le rispettive identità. L’analisi comparativa considera le testimonianze artistiche, la documentazione storica e quella archeologica. Lo studio analizza dunque l’interazione tra spiritualità e arte, funzionale anche a plasmare l’identità e l’eredità culturale di Montecassino e Fleury, nonostante la rivalità sulle reliquie di Benedetto.Mosaics, Relics, St. Benedict, Southern Italy, France
Framing Benedict’s Presence: Strategies of Floor Mosaic Decoration and the Significance of the Saint’s Relics at Montecassino and Fleury (9th-12th Centuries)
Maddalena Vaccaro
2024
Abstract
This study investigates the historical and artistic relationships between the two Benedictine communities that claimed possession of the relics of St. Benedict, namely Montecassino and Fleury. By focusing on the artistic strategies employed in floor mosaic decoration and the veneration of Benedict’s relics, the research uncovers how these elements were used to construct and reinforce their monastic identities. The methodology involves a comparative analysis of the artistic evidence, supported by historical and archaeological documentation. The study highlights the interplay between spirituality and art in shaping Montecassino and Fleury identity and heritage, despite their rivalry over the relics of St. Benedict.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.