Verbal, visual, and cultural literacy in medieval art: word and image in the Psalter of Charles the Bald
William J. Diebold
Considerable attention has been devoted recently (particularly in the pages of this journal) to precise meaning and implications Pope Gregory Great’s famous problematic simile comparing images a book for illiterate.1 Gregory’s dictum rightly seen be crucial understanding much ofthe art Middle Ages. Recent scholarship shown importance considering competencies both literate non-literate viewers, particularly when examining medieval public art, which was available range audiences.2 But, despite characterization images, one major form early remained almost exclusively literate: illuminated manuscripts. Manuscripts are, course, first foremost books require maker (the scribe) user reader). This simple recognition that manuscripts are is, however, insufficient guide our interpretation them. Illuminated quintessential private literate, but it is still important consider variations literacy their audience (this true fact linguistic ability manuscript’s beholders more restricted than spectrum forms art).
Word & Image