Narrative at Moissac: Schapiro's Legacy
Ilene H. Forsyth
The narrative cycles at the south portal of Moissac's famous Romanesque abbey-displaying parable poor leper Lazarus and story Infancy Christ-are studied here in relation to thinking Meyer Schapiro. His early publications as well his later oral comments on narratives are considered, along with views principles expressive form that help explain dynamics sculpture. Schapiro's ideas then extended into new areas interpretation. It is argued program turns more than simple antithesis: changeling chiasmic schemes lead open-ended visual play and, within porch's thematic design, a complex counterpoint learned, iconographic permutations issues from an emphasis miserliness generosity, resulting discourse encourages charitable philanthropy feudal nobility accord needs abbey. sculptures' sensuality sexuality, it claimed, informed by special monastic character intertwines realms sacred secular thought. In epilogue, arguments presented for dating sculptures abbacy Ansquetil, specifically ca. 1100-15.
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