Conques Across Time. Inventions and Reinventions (9th–21st Centuries)

Conques, a small town of extraordinary medieval significance, has long captivated scholars and visitors alike. Renowned for its abbey church, an unparalleled collection of goldsmiths’ treasures, and a rich history of reinventions, Conques offers a unique lens through which to explore the intersections of art and history, both medieval and neo-medieval. In this volume, leading experts chart its transformation from a medieval monastic center to a modern cultural landmark, illuminating both its origins and its reinventions across the centuries. Spanning the Middle Ages to the twenty-first century, the book—the first comprehensive monograph on the site—examines the architecture, legendary histories, and strategies of representation that shaped Conques’ medieval identity, alongside modern interpretations molded by nineteenth-century restorations, twentieth-century century presentations, and Pierre Soulages’ celebrated engagement with the site. The result is a rigorous yet accessible reassessment of the myths surrounding medieval art and its modern reinterpretations. At its heart, this volume reveals Conques as more than a historic site—it is a living testament to the enduring interplay between medieval heritage and contemporary imagination, challenging us to rethink the narratives that define the medieval past in today’s world. This volume is a principal outcome of the four-year research project Conques in the Global World: Transferring Knowledge from Material to Immaterial Heritage (2020–2024) funded by the European Research Executive Agency through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action.