Saint-Jean-des-Vignes in Soissons: Approaches to Its Architecture, Archaeology and History

by Sheila Bonde, Clark Maines

The Augustinian abbey of Saint-Jean-des-Vignes, founded during the 11th century and rebuilt during the Gothic 13th and 14th centuries, is not only an architectural masterpiece, it also played an essential religious, economic, artistic and social role in the region throughout the Middle Ages. This volume of ten specially commissioned essays seeks to promote an interdisciplinary approach to monastic archaeology and history, arguing that the evidence of standing architectural remains, archaeology and primary documentation should not be considered alone. The study also aims to reaffirm the place of Augustinian monasticism in the history of medieval Europe. The chapters are arranged thematically and include discussions of methodology, the foundation and growth of the abbey, the architectural evidence for its construction, the excavation of the Gothic chapter room and refectory, and the abbey's water management and gardens. Many of the abbey's architectural features are illustrated.

568 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tome chronicles twenty years' worth of excavation at Saint-Jean-des-Vignes, formerly a thriving medieval monastery. The case study is extremely valuable for its focus on seldom-studied Augustinian canons, and for its excavation of monastic buildings beyond the Gothic abbey church. Perhaps more important than the specifics of Saint-Jean-des-Vignes are the methods employed in its excavation. Bonde and Maines pursue an "archaeology of monasticism," rather than simply the archaeology of a particular monastery. This approach allows them to place excavated structures within the context of a living community. By focusing on an "archaeology of ritual" and an "anthropology of architecture," their team seeks to unearth more than ruined building stones. In understanding the way that structures were built, used, and remodeled, they have begun to piece together the daily rhythms of a monastic community over its centuries-long existence. Future monastic studies would benefit greatly from this holistic approach.