Blogpost 5

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/63.160/

1: Identify artist, title, date, medium, and size
Reliquary Pendant with Queen Margaret of Sicily Blessed by Bishop Reginald of Bath
Date:1174–77
Culture:British
Medium:Gold
Dimensions:Overall: 1 15/16 x 1 1/4 x 1/4 in. (5 x 3.1 x 0.7 cm)
Classification:Metalwork-Gold
Credit Line:Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1961

2: Stylistic period/culture/context (When – and Where – geographic location of production)
Geography:Made in Canterbury, England
Date:1174–77
With the arrival of the Normans, art and architecture produced in England reflects French influence. The Norman and Plantagenet kings hold French territory during the period, and artists and objects travel between the two countries. Majestic cathedrals are erected from the end of the eleventh century; those at Durham, Canterbury, Ely, Wells, and Lincoln are among the most famous. By the end of the period, English embroideries are so renowned for their refinement that they are known throughout Europe as opus anglicanun.
→ God very prevalent in the lives of the people in England during this time, as evident by the cathedrals

3: Subject/Iconography (What is represented? What is the idea/concept?)
What is the subject? Could it be considered a new treatment of a traditional art theme such as portraiture, landscape, etc.? *This is part of a "little picture" understanding*
The engraved Latin inscription on the back identifies the subject: “Bishop Reginald of Bath hands this over to Queen Margaret of Sicily.”
The inscription on the front lists the relics once contained under a crystal: “Of the blood of Saint Thomas martyr. Of his vestments stained with his blood: of the cloak, the belt, the hood, the shoe, the shirt.”
Picture on pendant: Queen Margaret of Sicily Blessed by Bishop Reginald of Bath
The inscription and image of Reginald and Margaret on the back convey the pendant's original use.

4: Style/technique (How does the artist handle light, form, color, texture, and shape as well as composition? or How the art is arranged or organized?)
How did the formal elements communicate or reinforce the meaning of the work? How does the media and/or technique influence and/or enhance the meaning?
Light: does not really play a role
Color: gold, represents wealth
Texture: smooth except where there is engravings
Shape: square
Composition: gold


how do the elements reinforce the work: gives a simple representation of multiple events and feelings


How does media/technique influence the meaning: Uses a picture surrounded by indirect statements that are meant to be applied to one person



5: Significance/function/purpose (How does the work convey social, political, popular, or religious values? What is the purpose of the work?) *Remember- we need to always think about context!*
The bishop probably presented this pendant to the queen on the occasion of her son’s marriage in 1177 to the daughter of Henry II. The king had instigated the murder of his former friend and chancellor, Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterbury, on December 29, 1170.
What do you think is the meaning of the piece?
I think that this piece intends to call out the king for his murder of Thomas Becket, since the pendant was made in Canterbury, England, and Thomas Becket was the archbishop of Canterbury. What lead me to this was the engraving on the front said, “Of the blood of Saint Thomas martyr. Of his vestments stained with his blood: of the cloak, the belt, the hood, the shoe, the shirt.” The pendant attests to the importance of relics and reliquaries in the political and social commerce of the Middle Ages.


Does the artwork cause you to re- consider these ideas or think about them in new ways?
Yes, I find it interesting that the inscription is not as related to the picture of Queen Margaret of Sicily Blessed by Bishop Reginald of Bath, even though the title of the work describes what is going on in the artist's picture.


Does this work have special relevance or significance to viewers today?
It displays the backstabbing tendencies of kings, the mourning of someone over a friend, and the important role religion played during this time. When it was originally created, it intended to apply to the audience at the time, the audience being King Henry II, as well as him family. Now, it shows historical significance since it shows the bishop calling out the king.


What is the value of this art in today’s society?
Art in today’s society plays a role because it is a form of expression. This is similar to the pendant because it is the way this bishop expressed his emotions about the death of Thomas Beckett. Art can be used to convey an emotion, one that is more challenging to express directly.