DOI chapter:
Plate 1-XCIII
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.62036#0154
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PLATE XXXIV.
THE TRINITY.
Fig. 3. This singular and unusual example is from the Benedictional of St. Ethelwold, a Saxon
MS. of the 10th century, before alluded to. Were it not that it is explained to be an
illustration of the Trinity, it would hardly be taken for one, as the single figure would
be equally appropriate for the First Person alone. The Trinity in Unity is the principal
idea set forth by it. (29.)
4. Whatever may be thought of these subjects in themselves, they are at least interesting and
important as reflecting the mind and state of belief of the period they illustrate, and on
that account cannot be passed over. In the 10th century we find the Virgin placed side
by side with the Three Persons of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit standing upon her
crowned head. There is a singular combination of persons in this subject; for the
Virgin is holding the Infant Jesus in her arms, who in His divine nature is also seated
on the Right Hand of the Almighty, on the rainbow. Both are holding a book, one of
which is open, and the two figures are in all respects alike. The Evil Spirit, chained, is
being trodden under foot, and cast into the mouth of Hell; while the two figures of
Arius and Judas are represented in attitudes of lamentation below. They are probably
intended to illustrate the “ Enemies” of Christ being made His footstool, Psalm ex. From
a Saxon MS. of the 10th century (Brit. Mus.).
PLATE XXXIV.
THE TRINITY.
Fig. 3. This singular and unusual example is from the Benedictional of St. Ethelwold, a Saxon
MS. of the 10th century, before alluded to. Were it not that it is explained to be an
illustration of the Trinity, it would hardly be taken for one, as the single figure would
be equally appropriate for the First Person alone. The Trinity in Unity is the principal
idea set forth by it. (29.)
4. Whatever may be thought of these subjects in themselves, they are at least interesting and
important as reflecting the mind and state of belief of the period they illustrate, and on
that account cannot be passed over. In the 10th century we find the Virgin placed side
by side with the Three Persons of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit standing upon her
crowned head. There is a singular combination of persons in this subject; for the
Virgin is holding the Infant Jesus in her arms, who in His divine nature is also seated
on the Right Hand of the Almighty, on the rainbow. Both are holding a book, one of
which is open, and the two figures are in all respects alike. The Evil Spirit, chained, is
being trodden under foot, and cast into the mouth of Hell; while the two figures of
Arius and Judas are represented in attitudes of lamentation below. They are probably
intended to illustrate the “ Enemies” of Christ being made His footstool, Psalm ex. From
a Saxon MS. of the 10th century (Brit. Mus.).