Interactive image

Subject: These small artifacts are very clearly pieces found of the votive crowns mentioned in the reading. These small pieces are part of the decoration that has a greater symbolic meaning that have contributed greatly to the "contemporary idea of a [Spanish] 'nation'" (Martin 41) This idea of the Spanish nation has also been attributed to "the strong link between the Church and state." (Martin 41) Since Visigothic Spain received a great deal of Catholic influence after they converted from Arian Christianity to Nicene, this in a large part symbolizes the submission of the Visigothic kings to the Catholic church and its importance in its culture. Although Spain received a time where it was ruled by Islam artifacts like these show the longlasting influence of Catholicism in Spain eventually leading to the Reconquist displaying how "Catholocism and unity were preserved as pillars of the nation." (Martin 49)

The simple fact that the Roman Catholic Church is involved with the Visigothic culture and as a representation of their votive crowns is a testament to the idea of Global Medieval Art because of votive crowns being a symbol of submission to the Roman Catholic Church. If Medieval Art was not global then Roman Catholicism would have stayed within our very canonized definition of Italian/French German Catholicism. Shockingly simply because Spain had experienced a slightly different culture to our standard definition of Medieval Art (with the Visigothic kingdoms first and later the Umayyad Caliphate's control) many forget to include their art which has been proven to have much deeper connections with the rest of the Christian world very clearly here.

Style Q1: Not only does this count as a question, but also a display of how Global these artifacts really are. My question here is that these votive crowns found are all shining in some of the most bright and lavish jewelery. "The crown of reccesuinth is the most distinct piece. It was manufactured utilizing long-standing gold smithing techniques in a Mediterranean tradition, along with typical late Roman jewelry practices and German Metalwork" (Martin 42) The reading also mentions that it may have come from the Far East but that is not specific enough as this clearly implies a certain level of globalization in Medieval art possibly through trade etc. My question though is WHERE exactly?? This also completely shatters any interpretation that Medieval Art is secluded with its small Canon definition and that there was not much connection with the outside world. The crown of Reccesuinth is the most distinct piece. It was manufactured utilizing long-standinggoldsmithing techniques in a Mediterranean tradition, along with typical late Roman jewelry-makingpractices and Germanic metalwork.The crown of Reccesuinth is the most distinct piece. It was manufactured utilizing long-standinggoldsmithing techniques in a Mediterranean tradition, along with typical late Roman jewelry-makingpractices and Germanic metalwork.The crown of Reccesuinth is the most distinct piece. It was manufactured utilizing long-standinggoldsmithing techniques in a Mediterranean tradition, along with typical late Roman jewelry-makingpractices and Germanic metalwork.

It is interesting to see how Martin brings in a more contemporary perspective in how these artifacts influenced history and art history. Rather than going back in time it talks more about the Spanish nation and how these crowns became one of the central pieces that brought a common Spanish identity together through history. "History....was neccesary in order to establish an exact date when a common identity emerged." (Martin 44)

Context: Overall, the reading mentions that the "physical characteristics...strongly condition its ideological use." (Martin 61) The representation of these artifacts as "testimony to the ancient alliance between the monarchy and the Church" (Martin 61) It is also interesting to see how deeply Martin focuses on the historiography of many Visigothic treasures. Spain is a deeply complicated place that had influences not just through Medieval and Renaissance but even during modern wars like WWII where states like Nazi Germany had talks about the Germanic influences.

Q2: What do some of these symbols represent exactly? I am not particularly good at identifying style so that is a big question for me. I'd assume the cross like shape is regarding the Catholic Church but I have little idea to the other ones.

Q3: How do these artifacts compare to other ones during this time such as in the Papal States which is where this influence is essentially coming from. How does it compare to perhaps the Ostrogoths which they have split off from. How does it compare to the future Christian nations of spain such as the Kingdom of Leon-Asturias who had to survive in a period where Iberia is mostly Muslim-dominated. What about later after the reconquista how do the depictions and representations of Christianity and the Church and monarch differ all the way up till now. There are endless questions that can really be asked about these.