Trame di storia. Il mosaico di Otranto, le cronache universali e l’immagine della regalità
| Title in English | Plots of history. The Otranto mosaic, universal chronicles and the image of royalty. |
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| Authors | |
| Year of publication | 2020 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | CONVIVIUM-EXCHANGES AND INTERACTIONS IN THE ARTS OF MEDIEVAL EUROPE BYZANTIUM AND THE MEDITERRANEAN |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Keywords | floor mosaic; cultural identity; mediterranean space; Norman art; medieval historiography |
| Description | This paper investigates the mosaic floor of the cathedral of Otranto from the point of view of the relationship between the decorative program and the tradition of medieval historiography. The analysis of the mosaic structure shows that it is built on the model of the universal chronicle. From this perspective, the study of literary sources demonstrates how historiographical, romance and biblical motifs are used to build a picture of world history in which Norman sovereigns fit. The decorative motifs used in the mosaic also participate in the construction of an image of royalty based on the concepts of legitimation and universal vocation of power. These are part of an extremely widespread repertoire in the Mediterranean space. Closely linked to the circulation of luxury objects, it becomes the prerogative of the courtly cultures that dominates this area, in which it is used for the promotion of the ruling classes’ images. |