(Thalamus) in Images of the Annunciation of the 14Th-15Th Centuries in the Light of Latin Patristics
International Journal of History and Cultural Studies (IJHCS) Volume 5, Issue 4, 2019, PP 49-70 ISSN 2454-7646 (Print) & ISSN 2454-7654 (Online) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.20431/2454-7654.0504005 www.arcjournals.org The Symbol of Bed (Thalamus) in Images of the Annunciation of the 14th-15th Centuries in the Light of Latin Patristics José María Salvador-González* Professor of Art History, Faculty of Geography and History, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain *Corresponding Author: José María Salvador-González, Professor of Art History, Faculty of Geography and History, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain Abstract: This article attempts to interpret the doctrinal meanings hidden under the bed symbol in some images of the Annunciation of the 14th and 15th centuries. For this purpose, thirteen Annunciations of this period which include that piece of furniture are analyzed, and in passing some inadequate interpretations that have been given about any of these pictorial images are evidenced. To justify our interpretations, we rely on an abundant corpus of texts through which many Fathers and theologians of the Latin Church consider the thalamus concept as an eloquent metaphor for the incarnation of the Son of God as a man in the Virgin Mary’s womb, as well as for her virginal divine maternity. Keywords: Christian Iconography – Medieval Art – Annunciation – Christ’s Incarnation. The increasingly complex and detailed images of the Annunciation of the 14th and 15th centuries include almost always some narrative details –such as a stem of lilies,1 a book of prayers, a house in the form of a temple,2 the divine ray of light descending, with the dove of the Holy Spirit, towards the Mary‘s ear,3 or the submissive and demure attitude of the Virgin Mary4—, whose respective symbolism has been highlighted, with greater or lesser success, by numerous experts.
[Show full text]