The Eighth and Ninth Centuries: Re-emergence and Invention
Studies of eighth- and ninth-century Christian art in the Spanish peninsula have traditionally used label ‘Asturian art’ treated it as an isolated phenomenon born incipient reconquista ideology. This chapter will argue that was, on contrary, far from geographically, rhythms its production responded to those outside world, both north south. The myth brave little kingdom began has give way another story. When Asturias exhibited military prowess, could be directed at Vikings well against al-Andalus. rulers south shared exposed Atlantic coast, road travel across centre occurred more often than boundaries maps suggest. Relations between were nuanced interesting traditional narrative, allowing artistic intellectual interaction. analysis follows suggest renewal building peninsula, which Córdoba second half eighth century, did not occur until a sudden influx wealth mid-ninth century enabled purchase necessary expertise. In same period saw new cultural stimuli flood into al-Andalus Baghdad, whilst Pyrenees court Charles Bald built revival Charlemagne. Around 900, internal conflict within Muslim territories briefly allowed Christians imagine future they might claim control peninsula. They expressed optimistic vision through antique architectural decorative vocabulary had been developed by Byzantines, Carolingians, Umayyads. Asturian route vocabulary, their inventive use it, major theme this chapter.