The Anglo-Saxon stone sculpture of Mercia as evidence for continental influence and cultural exchange
Gwendoline Clare Courtena Bergius
Scholarship has long considered the style of stone sculpture produced in Mercia during late eighth and early ninth centuries to reflect direct influence artistic activities on Carolingian continent. Written sources point dialogue that existed between Anglo-Saxon kingdom courts years after Offa’s rise Mercian throne. This been understood signal desire raise his profile eyes Charlemagne papacy.
Mercian sculpture, unparalleled its range form ornament, thus thought owe unique character borrowed contemporary continental styles motifs.
By means multi-disciplinary research combining art historical, archaeological historical approaches, this thesis establishes nature relationship between
Mercian production. Examination development sculptural against backdrop enduring legacy late
Antiquity reveals variety models available sculptors. Through close analysis stylistic parallels Antique, eastern Christian, Lombard monumental art, motivations mechanisms behind adoption adaptation motifs.
Exploration by which patrons artists accessed motifs demonstrates links forms ornament types sites at survives. These associations are argued be reflective hierarchy exchange networks linked with centres importance Continent further afield. The of
Carolingian papal highlights shared interest Antique imperialism. Despite a parallel agenda, sculptors shown to
have largely independent intermediaries.