President, Lafayette College
President-elect, Haverford College

“Towards a New Conception of Crusader Art: Reflections on the Sainte-Chapelle, the Morgan Library Book of Kings, and the Capetian Court”

*Please note: This lecture will be held in Thomas 110*

Among the greatest achievements of thirteenth century art in France, the Sainte-Chapelle and the Morgan Library Book of Kings were also complex reflections of the crusading agenda of King Louis IX and the Capetian dynasty.  During the past decade, our understanding of Capetian politics and the Frankish role in the Crusades has been advanced by close study of these works, which anticipate a new secular era in art, even as they arise from a venerable medieval tradition.