Donner forme au(x) temps. La formule du Zodiaque et son association avec les Occupations des Mois

The Zodiac, as an iconographic formula inherited from antiquity, was widely used in 12th and 13th-century church decorations, particularly in France and Italy, to visually represent time and space. This study reveals that the Zodiac, often paired with the Labours of the Months, serves as a structured way to illustrate the passage of earthly time leading to eternal salvation. It demonstrates how this iconography, employed on portals like those at Vézelay and Autun, provides a formulaic representation of time, integrating graphic, liturgical, and social dimensions. The research analyzes the visual devices—such as radial arcs, arcades, and concentric circles—used to normalize classificatory imagery in manuscripts and ecclesial art, showing how these cycles function as an encyclopedic tool for memory and sovereignty attribute for Christ.

Ferrand, A. (2021). Donner forme au(x) temps. La formule du Zodiaque et son association avec les Occupations des Mois. La Formule Au Moyen Âge, 205–221. https://doi.org/10.1484/m.artem-eb.5.120283