The Mural Paintings of Berzé-la-Ville in the Context of the First Crusade and the Reconquista

The programme of mural paintings in the Cluniac chapel of Berzé-la-Ville in Burgundy has a highly peculiar iconography. The present article argues that Abbot Hugh of Cluny (1049-1109) designed the programme, and makes the case that many of the unusual iconographical choices were due to his desire to make a particular statement about the First Crusade and the Reconquista. The question of Cluniac attitudes towards Christian-Muslim warfare has been the subject of numerous discussions, but remains murky due to shortage of evidence. The present article attempts to interpret the programme of Berzé-la-Ville as a new source to shed light on the matter. The paintings are not a typical example of crusader propaganda in that they do not argue in favour of the crusading movement, but underscore those aspects of Christian belief that it appeared to discount or discard, particularly the need to evangelise non-Christians and the superiority of monastic profession over any other. The article attempts to demonstrate that the programme functions as a self-affirmation of Cluny in the face of rapid changes and implicit challenges, not only from crusaders and their supporters, but also from the reforming papacy.