The Art of Anglo-Saxon England

'[A] civilized, sensitive and welcome addition to the study of Anglo-Saxon art. [...] Karkov is edifying and illuminating' - Times Literary Supplement 

A fresh appraisal of the art of Anglo-Saxon England, focusing on art as an aesthetic vehicle and art as an active political force

Two particular perspectives inform this wide-ranging and richly illustrated survey of the art produced in England, or by English artists, between c. 600 and c.1100, in a variety of media, manuscripts, stone and wooden sculpture, ivory carving, textiles, and architecture.

Firstly, from a post-colonial angle, it examines the way art can both create and narrate national and cultural identity over the centuries during which England was coming into being, moving from Romano-Britain to Anglo-Saxon England to Anglo-Scandinavian England to Anglo-Norman England. Secondly, it treats Anglo-Saxon art as works of art, works that have both an aesthetic and an emotional value, rather than as simply passive historical or archaeological objects. This double focus on art as an aesthetic vehicle and art as an active political force allows us to ask questions not only about what makes something a work of art, but what makes itendure as such, as well as questions about the work that art does in the creation of peoples, cultures, nations and histories.

Details

• Author: Catherine E Karkov,  Professor Emeritus of Art History, University of Leeds.
• Paperback: 350 pages | 12 colour and 82 black and white illustrations
• Date published: March 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9781783270958
• Dimensions: 23.9 x 17.1 cm