St. Donat and Alcuin's Acrostics: Case Studies in Carolingian Modulation

Rozmeri Basic examines a modular way of thinking as a point of departure for the analysis of selected examples of architecture and literature, revealing that the church of St. Donat in Zadar, Croatia, and Alcuin's acrostics share some common principles of form.
This study consists of two phases: first to test the applicability of the modular organization of space in an architectural monument; and, second, to see if the same concept is applicable to a work of art in a different medium. By using the analytical tools of number symbolism and sequential organization of space, the study emphasized relationships between forms, meanings, and functions of the acrostics in regard to significant theological, historical, and political events of the time.

The Carolingian Renaissance is embodied in Charlemagne's political ambitions for creating a well-organized society by implementing ideas of unity, clarity, order, and reason in the modular way of thinking. Thus, this dominant principle creates close relationships between different areas of artistic expression and emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the medieval culture in general.

About the author. Dr. Rozmeri Basic is an Associate Professor in the School of Art at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. After earning her undergraduate degree at the University of Belgrade, and graduate work at the University of Tokyo and the University of Southern California, she earned her Master's in Art History and her doctorate in Comparative Arts from Ohio University.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword by Robert Wortman

Preface

Chapter One: The Carolingian renaissance or Renaissance?

Chapter Two: A Carolingian Concept of Modulation

Chapter Three: The Palatine Chapel at Aachen

Chapter Four: A Brief History of Zadar and The Church of St. Donat in Zadar

Chapter Five: Alcuin and Latin Poetry

Chapter Six: Alcuin's mesostich Magna quidem pavido

Chapter Seven: Conclusions and Conjectures