Iconography and Literature: Alfonso Himself in Cantiga 209

Abstract

IN our studies of iconography and narrative art, supported by a generous grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, we have photographed and researched various art genres which tell stories. We believe that the importance of this sphere of study is increasingly being recognized and that it can contribute enormously to our knowledge of medieval man's perception of literature and the fine arts. Most interesting parallels and contrasts between the written word and its visualization occur, for frequently miniatures may supply details lacking in the text. It should be noted that in the miniatures of Cantiga 209, iconography and text closely parallel each other and that contrast is hardly present except for the fact that scene, not specifically developed in the poem, is detailed in visualized form. The present article took its inspiration in the first of several books which we hope to publish about the interdisciplinary ties between literature and the fine arts.'