The encounter of art and language in Hrabanus Maurus’ In honorem sanctae crucis and the Communication of philosophical and theological content

The In honorem sanctae crucis of Hrabanus Maurus consists of 28 carmina figurata, in which text and image are interwoven into multiple complex unities. This work, rather than employing text and image in parallel, uses the visual level to create multiple levels of language, while the visual level in turn is constituted by the linguistic levels. Each carmen relates some aspect of the universe to the cross of Christ. They combine, thus, into a structured whole devoted to honoring the cross and displaying it as the fundamental structuring principle of the universe. My thesis analyzes the complex internal structure of this work, considers how it communicates with its diverse audiences, and attempts to elicit its philosophical and theological content. Christ, as creator and totality of being, redeems all creation, opening the way to Heaven for the saved, while the cross itself becomes the metaphysical, metacosmic and metatemporal principle and the means through which Christ sends grace into the world. The correct response of angels and men to this event is ever-lasting praise, which the In honorem recommends, defends, justifies and embodies. [edited by author]