One pontile, two pontili: the choir screens of Modena Cathedral
Dawn Cunningham
As a living monument, Modena Cathedral has been subjected to numerous alterations since its foundation in the eleventh century. The choir screens, or pontili, demarcating edge of presbytery are one part church that underwent radical changes as they were adapted, removed, reused, and replaced. appearance first screen, consecrated 1106, is disputed. A.C. Quintavalle's proposal Genesis scenes by Wiligelmo, currently on facade, formed this monument validity. A brief examination archaeological evidence, well facades eastern ends other churches within Countess Matilda's territories, reveal merit his idea lead hypothetical reconstruction original presbytery. Despite damage incurred 1117 earthquake, Wiligelmo's screen was preserved, prominently displayed, later replaced Campionesi, who refashioned cathedral's east end. Their addressed new theological concerns rising preoccupation with Christ's body. In early thirteenth century, Campionesi adapted their earlier creation through addition pulpit. This paper examines series extraordinary at threshold order understand how these monuments continued actively engage faithful. (pp. 673–685)
Renaissance Studies