Reliving the Past in the Present: Martyrdom, Baptism, Coronation, and Participation in the Portal of the Saints at Reims
Gili Shalom
Reliefs depicting the martyrdom of Saint Nicaise and Remi’s baptism King Clovis adorn lintel in Portal Saints Reims, dated ca 1220-1230, commemorating formative moments fifth-century Church. Although remote from thirteenthcentury beholders, these events were revived communicated through what can be called a “historical inviting figure” - that is, sculptured figure gazes out relief toward beholders. This stratagem, introduced Gothic tympana, opens up featured to include enabling them participate (sacred) history points reference current, local history. A similar introduction communicating figures traced Ordo 1250, which renders tangible both text sculpture. The notions ductus memoria thus applied portal, since this priming imagery prepared devotees for encounter with actual sites historical events.
Convivium