The rediscovery of colour in medieval monuments during the nineteenth century

The Middle Ages continued and strengthened the relationship between form and colour which characterized the temples and sculptures of Antiquity. Compared to Antiquity, the Middle Ages provides us with more evidence, making the study of colours in Medieval sculpture and architecture revealing also for scholars of Antiquity, since the “how” (what materials and techniques were used) and the “why” (what was the function of colour) seem analogous in both periods. Even though studies on polychromy in Medieval monuments (discovered in the Nineteenth century) have recently become more common, there is not yet an overall view that answers the questions: what was the “chromatic intent” of the Medieval architect and sculptor, who, we know, didn't have a predilection for monochromatic surfaces, and how did he express himself?

ll Medioevo ha continuato e rafforzato la relazione tra forma e colore che caratterizzava i templi e le sculture dell'antichità. Rispetto all'antichità, il Medioevo ci fornisce più prove, le tracce di colore sono più cospicue e rivelano materiali e tecniche di realizzazione delle coloriture. Importante è la riscoperta del colore nella cultura neomedievale del XIX secolo che segna una tappa importante per lo studio delle opere policrome.