Medeltida triumfkrucifix i Bohuslän. En analys av nio triumfkrucifix och deras utveckling och symbolspråk

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the old Christian symbol of triumphal crosses, during the Middle Ages in Western Europe, Scandinavia and Bohuslän, Sweden. This study is about medieval triumphal crosses from the 12th century until the 16th century in Bohuslän. How did triumphal crosses develop and evolve during this time? What message were these artists and the Church attempting to convey? How were these symbols altered to change this message? The inductive method is used throughout this study, complemented by visits and investigations of all nine medieval triumphal crosses in Bohuslän. The theoretical perspective is used with the new method, material turn, to help study the symbolism of triumphal crosses in their context and in the sanctuary. The study shows that triumphal crosses change according to their context and time. From the middle of the 15th century the Church no longer had complete control over the message these symbols would convey; the triumphal crosses became more an art from a sculptor.