1992/07/01 by Andrea L. Matthies · 14 citations
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · Earth and Planetary Sciences · Engineering · #Conservation Techniques and Studies #Historical and Cultural Archaeology Studies #Archaeology and ancient environmental studies #Architectural engineering #Art #Visual arts #Aesthetics #Engineering
paper · doi:10.2307/3106635
published in Technology and Culture 33(3), 510 (Johns Hopkins University Press)
openalex publication_date 1992/07/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/04/05
The hoisting machines used to erect the great churches of the Middle Ages can be known only imperfectly from existing archival sources and archaeological remains. However, two other sources can supplement our understanding. First, medieval manuscript illuminators provide visual information about the development and structure of hoisting machines-from the simple windlasses to the great treadwheels. Although constrained by the narrative tradition, patronage, and stylistic limitations, these painters are a valuable source, if used critically. Second, the living social archive of the workyard-that is, modern workers who have used these ancient machines-offers