Zitationsvorschlag
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Dieses Werk steht unter der Lizenz Creative Commons Namensnennung - Weitergabe unter gleichen Bedingungen 4.0 International.
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Veröffentlicht
Selbsteinschreibung in das Bild
Form und Funktion der Signaturen bei Conrad von Soest
Abstract This study examines the function and meaning of artist signatures, specifically in the works of Conrad von Soest. The central thesis suggests that signatures serve not only to attribute a work to an artist but also fulfill broader socio-artistic and iconographic roles. The focus is on analyzing signatures in medieval panel paintings, particularly Conrad’s two major works, the Wildunger Altar and the Marien Altar.Building on theories by Tobias Burg and Albert Dietl, this study goes beyond viewing signatures merely as text. Instead, it considers their visual design, positioning, and materiality as integral components of the artwork. In Conrad’s works, both a clearly visible signature on the frame and “cryptic signatures” embedded within the composition can be found. These hidden signatures, such as those concealed in the pages of books held by figures, serve not just as tools for attribution but also as symbols with religious or liturgical significance. Moreover, the study highlights how Conrad utilizes the materiality and form of the lettering in his compositions. By seamlessly incorporating his name into the pictorial reality, Conrad achieves a multi-layered presence, emphasizing both his role as the creator and his continuous involvement in religious practices. Examining the form and function of these signatures not only deepens our understanding of authorship in medieval art but also reveals the cultural and spiritual significance attached to these inscriptions.
Keywords Cryptosignatures; Materiality; Panel Painting; Characters
