Cosmatesque Ambon of Monk Odon, San Pietro Church, 1215

Extract

[...] Finally, it is obvious thatto have made this pulpit was a long-standing political gesture muri. To call upon Roman artisanswas not simply a matter of expense. It was, quite simply, a calculated maneuver allowing the abbey to showcase its wealth, proclaim its allegiance to Rome, and consolidate its position within the influential networks of the time, both cultural and religious. We are touching here on the ambition of a monastery that uses art as an instrument of affirmation of its power and orthodoxy. Reference (NICOLA The Cosmatesque Works. Roccasecca. [...]

[...] The deacon would take a ramp to ascend and proclaim the Gospel, then descend by the other, establishing through this journey the solemnity of the moment. In fact, this architecture affirmed the sacred character of preaching. Conceived as the centerpiece of a coherent ensemble, the ambon articulated with the iconostasis and the choir's railings, also richly adorned with mosaics. This delimitation of space clearly marked the presbytery, a domain reserved for the clergy, while theSchola cantorum materialized in the eyes of all the hierarchical frontier between the officiants and the faithful. [...]

[...] The Cosmatesque Ambon of Monk Odon - San Pietro Church (1215) - In what way is this work indispensable for grasping the specifics of Cosmatesque art in the emerging 13th century? Subject: The Cosmatesque Ambon of Monk Odon (1215), San Pietro of Massa d'Albe Introduction Dated 1215, the Cosmatesque ambon of San Pietro Church in Massa d'Albe has lost none of its ability to impress the gaze. This exceptional work thus leads us to ask: in what way is it indispensable for grasping the specifics of Cosmatesque art in the emerging 13th century? [...]

[...] She is" worked according to the method of theopus sectile, a learned stone inlay. Fragments of white marble, red and green porphyry, ofpavonazzetto, as well as other antique marbles carefully recycled have been assembled by the artisans in order to to make a true carpet of geometric motifs of a great depth. The discerning eye distinguishes the foliage and, more particularly, the motifs in quincunx - evoking a chessboard - at the center of which stand out flowers composed of six emerald porphyry lozenges. [...]