For the first time in over 100 years since the discovery of the Carolingian frescoes in the convent church they are all portrayed in one publication. The book is illustrated in colour, with enlargements and detailed views, and descriptions that address a wide public. “Müstair: Die mittelalterlichen Wandbilder in der Klosterkirche” was financed by the Verein der Freunde des Klosters.
At the book launch on 14th June 2007 in the National Museum in Zurich, Iso Camartin, author and former professor of Rhaeto-Romanic literature and culture, described the new illustrated book as “a book that makes us happy, something superb”. This splendid book allows the reader to have an overview of the entire collection of murals in the convent church.
Profound introductory texts to the fresco cycle and the convent complex give an insight into this unique work of art. Short descriptions and biblical quotations help readers to interpret individual scenes. Four foldout sections simplify the localisation of the paintings. Introductory texts explain the meaning of the paintings and the entire work. The entire history of salvation filled the interior of the church in Müstair.
Four authors contributed to this book of illustrations. Dr. Jürg Goll, archaeologist and art historian, who has worked in the Convent of St. John in Müstair for over 25 years, was editor and co-author. Art historian Matthias Exner describes the iconographic programme. Theologian Susanne Hirsch wrote the captions and links each illustration to an appropriate biblical quotation. Art historian Michael Wolf has brought all the paintings together in four overall views, enabling a continuous view of the entire work for the first time.
