Overview
This lecture examines Claus Sluter’s Well of Moses, a monumental late 14th-century sculpture commissioned by Philip the Bold for a Carthusian monastery near Dijon, focusing on its historical, artistic, and religious significance.
Historical Context
- The Well of Moses was originally called The Great Cross.
- Commissioned by Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, for a Carthusian monastery just outside Dijon.
- The monastery served as a prayer center for the duke’s soul and as his family’s burial site.
- Carthusian monks practiced solitary prayer within the cloister surrounding the monument.
Artistic Features
- Created by Claus Sluter, a leading artist of the period.
- The structure is hexagonal, each side featuring a Prophet in front of a niche.
- Unlike Medieval tradition, figures are more independent from the architecture, standing separately.
- Prophets are separated by columns topped with grieving angels.
- Originally, a tall cross with Christ and a kneeling Mary Magdalene stood above the base.
- The monument was richly painted with blue, gold, and green for vivid inspiration.
Emotional and Symbolic Elements
- Each prophet is individually characterized, showing life and emotion.
- King David is depicted as a wise, individualized figure, significant to the Duke.
- The Prophet Jeremiah may be a portrait of Philip the Bold.
- Angels display various emotions through expressive gestures and postures.
- Figures like Moses and Zachariah are positioned to engage viewers and inspire contemplation.
Religious Purpose
- The monument was central in the monastery, aiming to inspire monks’ prayers for the Duke’s soul.
- The Well of Moses acted as a spiritual “engine” at the heart of monastic life.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Cloister — A covered walkway in a monastery, often surrounding a courtyard.
- Carthusian monks — Monks belonging to a strict, contemplative religious order, focusing on solitude and prayer.
- Niche — A recessed space in a wall, often used to display a statue or artwork.
- Capital — The topmost part of a column, often decorated.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the visual elements and iconography of the Well of Moses for further study.
- Prepare for class discussion on the role of monastic art in late Medieval society.