As imagens como fonte para o conhecimento da evolução das técnicas dos canteiros/ Images as a source for understanding the evolution of construction site techniques

Abstract

The image is most often considered as a simple fact of historical illustration and not as a source itself. Moreover, it is illusory to consider the image as a simple reflection of reality, even if it is rich in information such as on the positions and gestures studied, information that a text will not necessarily give. The image is above all a vector of social representations and must be questioned in this sense; it must be put in perspective and in series. The theme of stonemasonry is an interesting case study because it has its roots in the most ancient times and seems to be intrinsic to the nature of men. In the Middle Ages, stonemasons had a very different social status from masons and other workers. This study therefore aims to present the techniques of stonemasons and the ways in which they are represented over time.