Telling the Holy Sepulchre. “Mises en scène” and textual representations

Abstract

During the Middle Ages, places and holy objects were concrete in their materiality and especially in their geographical location. However they could also proliferate in other places, in a real “multiplication of presence”. Indeed, texts and maps informed the reader and the spectator, but also put him in touch with the sphere of the holiness. The idea of the omnipresence of the salvation facilitated a relocation of the poles of worship, which was nevertheless based on material contacts. This contrast between dematerialization and attachment to things maintained a play of opposites between absence and presence. The material or textual reproduction of objects and holy places made sure they became accessible for all those who would not or could not travel to them. This contribution offers an analysis of maps and various stories of medieval authors which make a symbolic approach to the holy places in Jerusalem accessible to many believers.

Keywords

• Holy Sepulchre
• Holy places
• Pilgrimage stories
• Medieval maps