The sublime relic of Catherine Paragraph 1: The high definition of a relic based on the Gardners Art through the Ages: A global History, Volume I, 16th Edition mentions the importance of The Veneration oF Relics. It was not something new during the Romanesque Era, in the contrary it was a practice of a long time use by Christians. Further more “Christians had traveled to sacred shrines housing the body parts of, or objects associated with, the holy family or the saints. The faithful had long believed that bones, clothing, instruments of martyrdom, and the like had the power to heal body and soul.”(Kleiner, 2019) Paragraph 2: During this period in time pilgrimage were those who chose a deeper outing to find that spiritual significance within themselves; most of the time this meant long journeys on foot in search of moral or spiritual guidance. These journeys could lead to shrines, churches or to an individual who had strong belief and faith: in hope they could share their enlightenment with them. The importance of pilgrimage connects with the society’s spiritual growth as these people had the opportunity to go away and come back with words of encouragement. Once they were back and felt fulfilled they would spread encouragement and enlightenment around their home community. Paragraph 3: Both influential relics that I had taken a look at, gave me much to choose from. While making a rough decision I decided to simulate its shape to my own relic where Romanesque style of art is used. The Saint Lawrence bronze reliquary was my inspiration for the circular shape and diamond rounded base/front. My second inspiration was the Sarira reliquary made up of bronze, silver, as well as white porcelain it is shaped like an egg and its legs are inverted outwards “To form the lotus support, three silver plates cut into the shapes of lotus flowers were placed atop a round base, which was then affixed to the pedestal, made from a thin sheet of silver decorated with the repousse technique. The legs of the support have a unique shape that resembles a version of the ruyi motif.”( Sungho, 2023) Paragraph 4: Because of the reliquary I was examining during my rough sketch, I choose to print a women in a praying motion signifying an Angel like. Just like the the print in the Sarira reliquary with a person also positioning their hands in a praying style. I also picked to put my sphere in a stand so it could be supported, but also picked up easily for everyone to admire the circular shape. Lastly the colors I choose where a mixture of soft colors to represent the colorful gems that are either real diamonds or carve into the reliquary. Paragraph 5: Id like to imagine that when pilgrimage people traveled to a high mountain just to have a look at this gorgeous looking sphere they got a sense of inspiration as well as hope. Perhaps inside it contained the smallest piece of paper with a written message on how to live a life of fulfillment. One single sentence that would be life changing , an eye opener for those who seek more than materialistic satisfaction. Once it is opened a red padding is on the bottom of the sphere as cushion giving it a comfortable and satisfactory look. Paragraph 6: To conclude creating as well as designing the structure and design of my own reliquary was more fun than I had imagined. Having to do research and study other ancient reliquary’s took more time since I wanted to create something a-like, yet something that was not just a box but instead different. While my imagination ran wild it was difficult to picture something inside it as it was so pretty from the outside, yet inside it’s where it contained the real beauty which is one blessed piece of paper written in Latin that read “ Be kind to all kinds”. Citations The National Museum of Korea, "Reliquary set offered by Yi Seonggye (King Taejo of the Joseon dynasty)," in Smarthistory, March 22, 2023, accessed May 3, 2023, https://smarthistory.org/reliquary-set-offered-by-yi-seonggye-king-taejo-of-the-joseondynasty/. Gardner, H., & Kleiner, F. S. (2023). Chapter 12: Romanesque Europe . In Gardner's Art through the ages: A global history (pp. 347–350). essay, Langara College. Visual Designs 1. Overall View 2. Reliquary parts labeled 3. Final decorative reliquary design Self Evaluation Over the semester this class was one of the one I wasn’t to thrilled to start; art has always been an interest of mine. Rather than being exited I honestly was a bit bummed out since this class was part history. When it comes to social studies and general history, all the focus leaves my mind. History being my least favorite subject has taken a whole 360 turn for me: having gothic art combined with history which includes Roman and Greek architecture has been an awesome discovery for myself. During the period of this course I got the opportunity to learn, and inform myself with new things that I had never before bothered even reading into. Having to learn about Athens remains and how the British museum has taken the missing parts of Athens remains, and till this day refuse to give back. The Elgin Marbles are the missing marbles that now stand in the British museum. The Acropolis museum that was constructed for the purpose of preserving Athens art is doing its best to re create the missing pieces for visitors to be able and experience the Parthenon Marbles at its best. Meanwhile the British museum feels entitled to keeping this works, morality and decency should be enough reason to take this works back into its home land where it can be praised the most. Rounding up this class has opened up my mind to other topics that are going on around the world. After learning and having such a well explained professor I can ensure that I wont view history as just the past, but instead use it to do better and learn from the past. Genuinely I would like a B for the class, yet the work I put in has reflected to a C. In my part perhaps I could have done better, yet though this is not any type of excuse having to manage a full time while taking night classes has been challenging to me. It has been my first semester trying this and I can 100% assure I gave my best with the time I had. This class was a good learning experience and will carry it on with me. Thank you professor and I hope you always teach with passion.
