DOI chapter:
Plate 1-XCIII
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.62036#0346
166
PLATE LXXXII.
HELL.
Fig. 5. This singular example is from a MS. of the 12th century (Brit. Mus.); the Evil Spirit
is enclosed in an aureole of the form of the Vesica Piscis, around which the Dragon,
as the image of Sin, is twined.
6. A very favourite subject amongst the representations of the Middle Ages, and in every
series from the Life of Christ, was that of His Descent into Hell, for the purpose
of rescuing the Souls of the Old World, who were imprisoned there, and foremost
amongst which are always Adam and Eve. This is an English example, from a
fresco painting of the 12th century, in a Chapel in Winchester Cathedral, which is
much effaced; Christ is generally represented armed with the Cross and Banner,
and here the mouth of the Monster is again of the usual form.
7. Besides the head of the Whale, there is an addition, in this instance, of another monster,
who is represented devouring its victims; the Evil Spirit, probably, here signifying
Death, is being vanquished by the Cross of the Redeemer, who is in the act of
delivering Adam and Eve from the jaws of Hell. From a MS. of the 13th century
(Brit. Mus.).
8. Hell is here represented in three different forms; as the mouth of the monster; as a
castellated fortress, from which flames and demons are issuing; and as the mouth of
a chimney, or furnace. Christ appears again as the Vanquisher of Death, or Sin, and
is breaking down the Gates of Hell. From a French MS., of the 13th century
(Bib. Nat.). (15.)
PLATE LXXXII.
HELL.
Fig. 5. This singular example is from a MS. of the 12th century (Brit. Mus.); the Evil Spirit
is enclosed in an aureole of the form of the Vesica Piscis, around which the Dragon,
as the image of Sin, is twined.
6. A very favourite subject amongst the representations of the Middle Ages, and in every
series from the Life of Christ, was that of His Descent into Hell, for the purpose
of rescuing the Souls of the Old World, who were imprisoned there, and foremost
amongst which are always Adam and Eve. This is an English example, from a
fresco painting of the 12th century, in a Chapel in Winchester Cathedral, which is
much effaced; Christ is generally represented armed with the Cross and Banner,
and here the mouth of the Monster is again of the usual form.
7. Besides the head of the Whale, there is an addition, in this instance, of another monster,
who is represented devouring its victims; the Evil Spirit, probably, here signifying
Death, is being vanquished by the Cross of the Redeemer, who is in the act of
delivering Adam and Eve from the jaws of Hell. From a MS. of the 13th century
(Brit. Mus.).
8. Hell is here represented in three different forms; as the mouth of the monster; as a
castellated fortress, from which flames and demons are issuing; and as the mouth of
a chimney, or furnace. Christ appears again as the Vanquisher of Death, or Sin, and
is breaking down the Gates of Hell. From a French MS., of the 13th century
(Bib. Nat.). (15.)