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PLATE XXXIX.

THE TRINITY.
Fig. 15. From the 12th century, this was a very frequent form of representing the Three Persons
of the Trinity, and it continued to the 16th, during which period it occurs continually
in all styles of Art, especially on monumental Brasses in England. The position of
the Dove varies; it is sometimes, as in this instance, descending upon the crucified
Saviour ; in other examples it is ascending from Him. This representation of a subject
which varies but little in its principal features, is from a MS. of the beginning of the
14th century, called Queen Mary’s Psalter (Brit Mus.).
16. This example of the subject shows the state of belief and opinion of the time, and a
still further decline in the reverential feeling which was observed in the earlier
periods of Art. The Three Persons of the Trinity are represented holding their
distinct attributes, the Globe, the Cross, and the Church, which was not commonly
given to the Holy Spirit: two wear royal crowns, but the Saviour has the Crown of
Thorns. A figure of the Virgin is seated near them, and their hands are directed
towards her in the act of blessing. From a MS. of the 15th century (Brit Mus.).