Medieval Round Table at University of Melbourne: 2012 Seminar
Series
Seminar Title:
The Stuff of Miracles: Religious Objects and Emotions in
Medieval Chartres
Guest presenter:
Dr
Sarah Randles (CHE Postdoctoral Fellow at University of
Melbourne)
Time and Date:
6pm on Monday 6th August
Venue:
Graduate Seminar Room 2 (room 209), which is in the east corridor,
first floor, Old Arts
Abstract:
The cathedral of Notre Dame at Chartres holds as its most
significant relic a textile believed to have been worn by the
Virgin Mary. While the precise nature of this garment was
fluid, described variously as a 'veil', 'tunic' or 'chemise', as a
result of its concealment in a reliquary since the tenth century,
in the Middle Ages it was venerated principally as the sainte
chemise and understood as an undergarment, worn by the Virgin at
the birth and possibly also the conception of Christ.
The relic at Chartres prompted a number of material responses,
some of them as a direct result of its inaccessibility. As
well as the usual pilgrimage tokens, ex votos and other donations,
copies of the chemise were made and consecrated as contact relics,
designed to be worn by the faithful seeking the Virgin's protection
or assistance in childbirth or conception. This paper examines
the nature of these objects together with the original relic and
the behaviours around them, in the context of the wider medieval
cult of relics, as evidence for emotional states, exchanges and
communities.
For further information, contact:
Andrew Stephenson, andrewws@ unimelb.edu.au or
Ann Sadedin, annsad@unimelb.edu.au.
The Medieval Round Table
Seminar Series
