Paintings in the Church of San Julián de los Prados in Oviedo. An Analysis of Aniconic Paintings in the Framework of Art in the Mediterranean

The Church of San Julián de los Prados in Oviedo features unique aniconic paintings that challenge traditional understandings of medieval Iberian art. These paintings, devoid of human figures but adorned with geometric patterns and golden crosses, suggest a deliberate artistic choice influenced by the Asturian monarchy's desire to assert its authority while drawing from both Roman heritage and contemporary Mediterranean trends. The study critically examines past research, comparing these works to those in Ravenna, Thessaloniki, and Damascus, while exploring potential links to iconoclasm and 'adoptionist heresy' beliefs prevalent in 9th-century Iberia. Through a fresh analysis of historical and artistic evidence, the research sheds light on the theological and political motivations behind this distinctive body of work.

Usai, N. (2018). Paintings in the Church of San Julián de los Prados in Oviedo. An Analysis of Aniconic Paintings in the Framework of Art in the Mediterranean. Ikon, 11, 21–30. https://doi.org/10.1484/j.ikon.4.2018003