First published: Sun 06 Apr 2025.
Els Slots
A Closer Look At Rock Cut Art
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5 comments
Els Slots
3 months ago (Apr 6, 2025)
After a bit of offline discussion, I would propose a new name for the (separate) Rock Cut Art : "Stand-alone Rock Reliefs" or "Open Air Rock Reliefs"
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Jurre
3 months ago (Apr 6, 2025)
As I've more or less recently added Champagne to this connection, I did in fact know about this connection. And, just like you, I struggled a bit with the definition and the scope of the connection. A redefinition might help making the connection clearer.
First of all, I don't think it should be included in the "Rock Cut Architecture" Connection, as we have examples of rock reliefs that are not linked to rock-cut architecture.
As for the idea of a split: I'm not sure in which two separate categories we would split the connections. Stand-alone rock reliefs and those connected to rock cut architecture?
I think a redefinition of the connection is the better option. The concept of "Rock reliefs" should be included in the new name, as it distinguishes it from "Rock-cut architecture" and narrows the connection down to reliefs (both haut- and bas-reliefs) as an artistic expression, and distinguishes it from rock inscriptions and carvings (or petroglyphs).
As for what to add to the Connection name:
- If we opt for "Stand-alone", we exclude those reliefs that are part of rock-cut architecture, such as reliefs in rock churches or cave temples. This would exclue the Necropolis of Bet She'arim.
- If we opt for "Open air", then the subterranean rock reliefs, like those in the Necropolis of Bet She'arim and in the Champagne caves, are out.
Personally, I would definitely include the "stand-alone" concept, to exclude those reliefs that are part of rock cut architecture.
I'm in doubt about the "open-air", because I feel the reliefs in the Champagne caves tick several boxes of the rock relief characteristics. They are reliefs, forms of artistic expression. They are stand alone, and not part of rock cut architecture, because the caves were not created with an architectural design. And the reliefs are created to have an impact on the viewer, even if it is underground. It is clearly aimed at the many visitors of the champagne caves. It would make the champagne caves reliefs the exception that proves the rule, as the only subterranean one, but I do feel it ticks a lot of characteristics of rock reliefs.
Solivagant
3 months ago (Apr 6, 2025)
Wieliczka also has "standalone (albeit - subterranean) rock cut art"..... if we ensure that Mines are not included in "Rock cut architecture" (even though they may be "architected" from cutting rock) since the "main goal" of their creation was not to provide "functional space". The Champagne caves were developed initially as quarries for limestone
Frédéric M
3 months ago (Apr 6, 2025)
Could Petra qualify for this connection as well? I'm thinking of the camel caravan carved out the Siq. I think it checks all boxes.