Iconoclasm from Antiquity to Modernity ed. by Kristine Kolrud and Marina Prusac
Daniel Reynolds
Reviewed by: Iconoclasm from Antiquity to Modernity ed. by Kristine Kolrud and Marina Prusac Daniel Reynolds Modernity. Edited Prusac. (Burlington, VT: Ashgate Publishing. 2014. Pp. xvi, 230. $109.95. ISBN 978-1-4094-7033-5.) This volume presents the proceedings of a series papers delivered in 2009 at University Oslo. The offers eleven articles broadly focused on number “iconoclastic” episodes ranging late antiquity until twenty-first century. focus is predominantly iconoclasm European history, although contributions Eberhard W. Sauer (chapter 1) Jens Braavig 10) extend geographical scope include Sauer’s discussion Sassanians Braavig’s Angkor Watt, Tibet, Afghanistan. collection introduced Prusac, whose introductory chapter succinctly summarizes main themes addressed each article many overarching questions conference. [End Page 590] Chief among them definition itself application such term multiple cases image destruction since antiquity. Both rightly draw attention diversity opinions this matter, but readers may have benefitted slightly bolder approach question or perhaps more open recognition difficulties faced contributors reaching consensus. roughly organized chronologically starting with three studies 2) examines complex responses Christian iconoclasts images pre-Christian deities Roman Empire. complemented two further 3) Bente Kiilerich 4), which examine attacks imperial images, Damnatio Memoriae, replacement rulers within Byzantine Empires. Collectively, important case studies, one extent broad chronological treatment risks de-contextualizing their unique social contexts. Cases early-medieval Carolingian worlds are separate Anne Karahan 5) Thomas F. X. Noble 6). Noble’s sensitive attitudes, particular, will undoubtedly provoke new readings material both specialists Byzantinists. Three chapters Tarald Rasmussen 7), Andrew Spicer 8), 9) sixteenth seventeenth centuries, beginning Rasmussen’s early Lutheran sacred followed Kolrud’s discussions iconoclast outbreaks Le Cateau Waldensians Savoyard Alps. These text-based offer useful complement broader materially approaches earlier chapters. final study instances Although its incorporation non-European welcome, concepts “secular” “religious” premodern, non-Western, iconoclastic sentiments debate. Further, can we interpret without systematic engagement views perpetrators, balance interpretations derived perception traditions “heritage” “art”? In sum, raises than it fully answer. Those seeking find coherent understanding present day unlikely here. However, wealth does makes repository, should ignite debate scholars. book be commended for bringing together diverse range periods, opportunity engage methodologies debates beyond individual 591] disciplines. As such, an contribution establishing as avenue historical inquiry scholars all regions periods. Birmingham Copyright © 2015 Catholic...
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