Conques Across Time. Inventions and Reinventions (9th–21st Centuries)
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| Year of publication | 2025 |
| Type | Monograph |
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| Description | This monograph, authored by scholars from the project “Conques in the Global World: Transferring Knowledge from Material to Immaterial Heritage”, examines Conques, a unique site combining an eleventh-century abbey church, medieval goldsmiths’ treasures, and layers of historical reinvention. It provides a nuanced analysis of the “Conques phenomenon”, tracing the site’s medieval origins and modern reinterpretations. The study starts with the rediscovery and restoration of Conques in the 19th and 20th centuries, dismantling myths about medieval art. It explores the earliest evidence of monastic life, Sainte Foy’s reliquary, and the abbey’s architectural and sculptural innovations. It also interrogates the legendary histories and medieval self-representation strategies, including Carolingian references and the global resonance of Conques’ treasure. The final part addresses modern engagements with Conques, reflecting on musealization, photography, and Pierre Soulages’ stained-glass windows, shaping contemporary perceptions of the site. This work positions Conques as a key location for exploring the interplay of history, art, and identity across centuries. |