Emblems in the Hymnbooks of the Unity of the Brethren: Devotional Artistry and Religious Education in Early Modern Europe

Result code in IS VaVaI

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Result on the web

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DOI - Digital Object Identifier

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Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Emblems in the Hymnbooks of the Unity of the Brethren: Devotional Artistry and Religious Education in Early Modern Europe

Original language description

John Amos Comenius is known for elevating emblems to universal didactic tools, advocating their use in teaching exercises and incorporating them into his reformist project De rerum humanarum emendatione (Pampedia). However, the roots of this emblematic tradition within the Unity of the Brethren, which can be traced back to the 1560s, are less explored. Studying the emblematic adornments in their hymnbooks (1564, 1572, 1576, 1581) provides new insights into the educational and devotional strategies of this clandestine yet influential religious community in Central Europe.nDrawing on comparative and iconographic analysis, this paper argues that Brethren bishops employed emblems in printed books to reinforce doctrinal discipline, inspire religious fervour, and strengthen ties with aristocratic patrons whose support was vital for the community's survival. For the first time, this study identifies direct inspiration from French emblem books by Claude Paradin and Georgette de Montenay. Integrated into hymnbooks as initials, decorative borders, and tailpieces (culs-de-lampe), these emblems served as mnemonic devices and teaching tools. This contrasts with earlier views that interpreted them primarily as a means of concealing the identities of Brethren members due to the community’s illegal status.nThe argument is supported by specific examples showing how the Brethren´s emblems were thoughtfully intertwined with the hymns´ lyrics to embed theological principles and facilitate religious education. This pioneering study highlights the innovative ways in which the Brethren integrated visual culture into their hymnographic tradition, prefiguring emblematic pedagogies later formalised by the Jesuits.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

O - Miscellaneous

CEP classification

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OECD FORD branch

60401 - Arts, Art history

Project

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Continuities

I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace

Publication year

2025

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů