Emerging Iconographies of Medieval Rome

This study explores four iconographical forms from eighth and ninth century Rome, highlighting the city's artistic vibrancy and innovation in Christian imagery, challenging the notion of Rome as merely an Eastern adjunct.

Emerging Iconographies of Medieval Rome delves into the development of Christian iconographies in Rome during the eighth and ninth centuries, focusing on four distinct forms: the Anastasis, the Transfiguration, the Maria Regina, and the Sickness of Hezekiah. The author, Annie Montgomery Labatt, emphasizes the experimentation and artistic innovation characteristic of early medieval Rome, challenging the notion that the city was merely an extension of Byzantine influence. Instead, she presents Rome as a vibrant center of creativity in this transformative period.

Labatt critiques the traditional scholarship that has often relegated Rome to a secondary role in the narrative of medieval art, arguing that prominent mid-twentieth-century scholars have unfairly labeled these emerging iconographies as “Byzantine.” By examining these images through formal and stylistic analyses, alongside the writings of early medieval thinkers, Labatt seeks to restore the significance of Rome’s artistic contributions. She highlights how these iconographies were in the process of being defined and showcased the dynamic artistic environment of the time.

Ultimately, Emerging Iconographies of Medieval Rome serves as a vital reassessment of the period, illustrating that the artistic endeavors in Rome were not simply imitative but rather a rich tapestry of innovation. Labatt’s work invites readers to appreciate the complexity and vibrancy of early medieval Roman art, asserting that it deserves recognition as a central force in the evolution of Christian iconography, rather than a mere adjunct to the East.