Dominus Exercitum. Apotropaic guardians at the entranceses of Portuguese Romanesque churches

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2013

Authors

Maria Leonor Botelho (Author) FLUP

Conference proceedings International

Title: Secrets and Discovery in the Middle Ages

5th International Congress of Medieval Studies

Porto, 25 a 29 de Junho de 2013

Scientific classification

FOS: Humanities > History and Archaeology

CORDIS: Humanities > History > Art History ; Humanities > History > Medieval history

Other information

Abstract (EN): The Greek etymology of the word apotropaic (αποτροπαϊκό, apotrépaios) remits to the idea of withdrawal of evilness. Starting from the proposals of the Portuguese author, Carlos Alberto Ferreira de Almeida (1934-1996), still up to date and scattered through his immense historiography consecrated to the Romanesque architecture, one intends to identify specific examples, revealers of apotropaic power. The popular origin of the apotropaic symbols strategically placed at the portals of Romanesque churches of this time is quite evident. As were the Guardians of the Gates of Heaven, these symbols were endowed with the mission of removing evils, or rather, to ensure that they stay confined to the exterior of sacred spaces, at the time understood as a representation of the Heavenly Jerusalem. After its analysis, one will try to question how relevant the will of casting away evilness was, through sculpture, within the architectural patrimony of the remaining Romanesque Period in Portugal.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

Notes: Submetido para publicação.