Christian Egypt: Coptic Art and Monuments Through Two Millennia - Rilegato

Capuani, Massimo; Meinardus, Otto F. A.; Rutschowscaya, Marie-Helene

Rilegato

ISBN 10: 0814624065 ISBN 13: 9780814624067

Casa editrice: Liturgical Pr, 2002

Riassunto

The Coptic Church owes its existence to the evangelization of Egypt by St. Mark and thus claims to be one of the churches most faithful to the biblical message of the beginnings. The Copts regard themselves as the true descendents of the ancient people of pharaonic Egypt.
The history of their name is a reminder that this part of the world was at the center of an unusually extensive intermixing of populations and regions. The term "Copt" is an alteration of the Greek Aigyptios (Egyptian), which became qibt in Arabic, and gradually came to designate exclusively the community that remained faithful to Christianity in spite of the expansion of Islam.
This book is the result of Massimo Capuani's comprehensive examination of the archaeological studies and historical literature of Coptic Christian monasteries and churches, supported by photographs, planimeters, and architectural drawings, as well as many color plates. Gawdat Gabra's thorough knowledge of current archaeological activity and the most recent consensus regarding the dates and other questions concerning churches and monasteries enhance the store of information. The important contributions of Otto Meinardus and Marie-Helene Rutschowscaya provide comprehensive surveys of the two-thousand year history of the Coptic Church and of the artistic expression of the Coptic world. Together they bring back to life the history of this culture, which today enjoys a remarkable renewal.

Su questo libro

L'autore:

Marie-Helene Rutschowscaya is head curator of Egyptian antiquities at the Louvre and director of the Coptic section; she is also a professor at the Ecole du Louvre.

Dalla seconda/terza di copertina:

Through haunting landscapes of the Nile Valley, oases and deserts, purely designed buildings, sumptuous paintings, beautiful illuminations, and exquisite fabrics, Christian Egypt transports the reader through the two-thousand year history and culture of Coptic Egypt.In Christian Egypt, Massimo Capuani invites students, scholars, and other interested readers to gain a greater appreciation of the richness of the Coptic civilization by traveling through ancient and medieval Coptic sites throughout Egypt, including the ruined monasteries of Saint Jeremiah (Saqqara) and Saint Apollo (Bawit).Capuani?s comprehensive examination of the archeological studies and historical literatureof Coptic Christian monasteries and churches are supported by over 170 black-and-white photographs, maps, and architectural illustrations. In addition, 105 full-color photographs provide a substantive record of monuments, architectural features, and wall paintings not seen elsewhere with such clarity and beauty. A chronology of Egypt from 332 B.C. to 1952 and an essay on the typology and architectural evolution of Egyptian churches add to the value of the work. Christian Egypt is enriched by the contribution of Otto F. A. Meinardus, who introduces readers to Coptic Egypt with a discussion of basic issues such as the patriarchs of Alexandria and theology of the World Church during the fourth and fifth centuries, the history of the Coptic Church, monasticism, the attitude of Egypt?s rulers toward the Copts, and the Coptic renaissance during the pontificates of the patriarchs Cyril VI and Shenouda III. In a valuable, concise account, Marie-H l ne Rutschowscaya elucidates several aspects of Coptic art: wall paintings, icons, illustrated manuscripts, as well as textiles. She offers readers a comprehensive picture of the artistic achievements of the Copts. Gawdat Gabra?s thorough knowledge of current archeological activity and the most recent consensus regarding the dates and other questions concerning churches and monasteries enhance the store of information in Christian Egypt. Contents include ?Introduction,? by Gawdat Gabra; ?Coptic Christianity, Past and Present,? by Otto F. A. Meinardus; ?The Arts Using Color,? by Marie-H l ne Rutschowscaya; ?Typology and Architectural Evolution of the Egyptian Churches Areas and Regions,? by Massimo Capuani; and ?Areas and Regions,? by Massimo Capuani. Areas and regions included are The Region of the Delta, Nitria and Kellia, Scetis (Wadi al-Natrun), Cairo and Its Vicinity, Al-Fayyum and the Region of Beni Suef, The Eastern Desert, The Region of al-Minya, The Region of Asyut, The Region of Sohag and Akhmim, The Thebaid, Upper Egypt, and The Oases. Includes a chronology, bibliography, glossary, and index of places.?Written in a limpid style that is both instructive and colorful, this book, rich in splendid illustrations, is a thorough study of the Coptic Church: culture, art, architecture, cultic and ritual practices. Nothing escapes the eyes of the three authors: a historian of monasticism, a theologian, and the curator of Egyptian antiquities in the Louvre. The plan of the book is unusual: it is divided into geographic regions, which allows for a meticulous study of every monastery, every church, every village. Finally, by means of the history of the oldest among Christian churches, the authors shed light on the present renewal of a Coptic spirit in Egypt.? Dj nane Kareh-Tager critures?This 272 page Monumental work is a masterpiece of art and history of the Christian Era of Egypt.? Coptic Church Review?This is a volume of interest to the historian, artist, archaeologist and theologian. It gives an insight into modern Coptic renewal and the influence of its monastic life, as well as an overview of a key element in the development of Egyptian Christianity. Both the beauty and the struggles of this church come alive through these stories and illustrations.? United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)?This lovely coffee-table book details Coptic buildings (churches, monasteries, sculptures, and icons that still exist. . . . A great pleasure is the stunningly beautiful color photos of various artifacts.? The Conrad Grebel Review?Massimo Capuani offers an enlightening overview of the history of Egypt?s largest and most ancient minority community . . . and provides a superb overall orientation to the sites as well as a fine feel for visual style and major religious themes in the Coptic iconographic repertoire.? Religion and the Arts

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Liturgical Pr
• Data di pubblicazione: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0814624065
• ISBN 13: 9780814624067
• Rilegatura: Copertina rigida
• Numero di pagine: 272