Malerei der Gotik - Fixpunkte und Ausblicke

"Malerei der Gotik" by Gerhard Schmidt provides a broad and reliable basis for future research in this field. New perspectives are often opened up by connecting as yet little known works of art with more familiar ones. When approaching a complex problem, the author puts various methods to the test. His scientific procedure is in no way schematic, but versatile and flexible. Although his intellectual curiosity centres on the emergence and evolution of painting styles, these styles are never regarded as merely self-sufficient formal systems; they are also viewed within the social and cultural environment of artists as well as patrons. The author places special emphasis on the following subjects: 1) The analysis and definition of all-European period styles (Figurenstil um 1400, Trecento- Einfluß, Kunst um 1400, Vor-eyckischer Realismus) 2) The part played by patrons in artistic creation and the share psychological factors have in the reception of works of art (Evangeliar des Johann von Troppau, Belehrender und befreiender Humor, several studies on medieval portraiture) 3) The thorough re-examination and re-evaluation of certain major works (Codex 370, Wehrdener Kreuzigung, Kölner Chorschranken, Bargello-Diptychon, Gelre-Wappenboek, Chaucer Frontispiece, Huntington-Kreuztragung, Antiphonar aus Seitenstetten) 4) The presentation of hitherto disregarded illuminators` workshops (Handschriftengruppe um 1300, Klosterneuburger Cod. 650a) 5) Contributions towards a comprehensive history of Gothic painting and illumination in Austria (Abschnitt "Grundlagen zu einer Geschichte der Buchmalerei der Gotik in Österreich", Malerei des internationalen Stils in Wien) 6) The publication of manuscripts of foreign origin in Austrian libraries (Materialien I und II, Andreas me pinsit, Addenda zur italienischen Buchmalerei) Although the point of departure of Schmidt`s research was his interest in Austrian and Bohemian illumination, he never felt satisfied with studying this material exclusively within its local context. Thanks to his excellent knowledge of Gothic painting in France, England, the Netherlands and Italy, he soon realised that most major artistic achievements have always been indebted to inspiration from other areas. Thus, his approach contrasts agreeably with the often irritating chauvinism of former generations of scholars. It should rather be regarded as conform to today`s conception of the fundamental unity of European culture. Schmidt`s style is precise but never boring. It vividly describes the artistic qualities of a painting, and clearly elucidates the accomplishments of its creator. The illustrations, deliberately inserted into the text, will enable the reader to check the validity of the author`s argumentation. The wealth of illustrations and the comprehensive index are essential features of the publication. They facilitate the search for various kinds of information, and thus make "Malerei der Gotik" a true textbook. At the same time it is an authoritative work on which further research can be founded.