DOI chapter:
Plate 1-XCIII
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.62036#0342
164
PLATE LXXXL
HELL.
Fig. 1. An early example of the most usual manner of representation, with the Evil Spirit
chained to the tusks of the Monster, amid flames. From the Saxon MS. of Ceadmon,
written in the 10th century (Bodl. Lib.).
2. and 3. From a Saxon Psalter of the 11th century (Brit. Mus.), full of singular and
expressive subjects, amongst which, those of Hell are numerous; it is frequently
represented as a Lake of Fire, either with the head of a Monster within it, or with
various dragon-like creatures, by which the wicked are being devoured.
4. This usual form of the subject is an illustration of the words of the 139th Psalm, “If I
go down into Hell, Thou art there also; ” by two figures being represented, an
allusion is probably intended to the favourite subject of the Middle Ages, Christ’s
Descent into Hell, and the Deliverance of Adam and Eve, besides the direct application
to the words of the Psalm.
PLATE LXXXL
HELL.
Fig. 1. An early example of the most usual manner of representation, with the Evil Spirit
chained to the tusks of the Monster, amid flames. From the Saxon MS. of Ceadmon,
written in the 10th century (Bodl. Lib.).
2. and 3. From a Saxon Psalter of the 11th century (Brit. Mus.), full of singular and
expressive subjects, amongst which, those of Hell are numerous; it is frequently
represented as a Lake of Fire, either with the head of a Monster within it, or with
various dragon-like creatures, by which the wicked are being devoured.
4. This usual form of the subject is an illustration of the words of the 139th Psalm, “If I
go down into Hell, Thou art there also; ” by two figures being represented, an
allusion is probably intended to the favourite subject of the Middle Ages, Christ’s
Descent into Hell, and the Deliverance of Adam and Eve, besides the direct application
to the words of the Psalm.