Brepols Emerging Naturalism: European Sculpture 1140-1220

Explore the complexities of medieval art with Emerging Naturalism: Contexts and Narratives in European Sculpture 1140-1220. Published by Brepols, this scholarly work addresses long-standing questions regarding the use of traditional stylistic terminology in art history. For decades, specialists in Romanesque and Early Gothic art and architecture have noted that standard terms often fail to reflect the true complexity and plurality of this era. This book examines the limitations of existing labels that struggle to capture functional, formal, or iconographic specificities. It provides a deep look into why terms like Romanesque, Late Romanesque, or Early Gothic can become cumbersome when attempting to define the art of this period. This text serves as a valuable resource for students and historians looking to understand the nuances of sculptural narratives and the evolving styles of European art during this transformative century. It moves beyond simple categorization to offer a more meaningful way to discuss the diverse artistic developments of the 12th and 13th centuries.