Le Zodiaque
“Zodiaque: Making Medieval Modern, 1951–2001” is a comprehensive study by Janet T. Marquardt that examines the impact of the Zodiaque series on the modern perception of medieval art. The series, initiated by monks at the abbey of La Pierre-qui-Vire in Burgundy, aimed to rejuvenate twentieth-century sacred art by drawing parallels between the straightforward character of pre-Gothic religious art and the contemporary modernist aesthetic.
Primarily focusing on Romanesque architecture and sculpture, the Zodiaque series brought to light the diversity and richness of this style, reintroducing monuments that had faded from public view. The series became renowned for its striking black-and-white photogravures that transcended mere documentary photography, transforming the images into collectible graphic prints and presenting a new two-dimensional art form.
Marquardt’s work delves into the motivations and philosophies behind the Éditions Zodiaque, exploring how their unique approach to book design, photography, and presentation influenced scholarly discourse and provided a spiritualized connection to the works through dramatic imagery and detail. The book is a testament to the Zodiaque series’ role in shaping the modern understanding of the Romanesque past