To all: General Query.
In my continuing research on Medieval Docetic theologies, and
in particular on the Lazarus manqué in Western homiletic and
liturgical materials
[ References ( homilies, commentaries, etc) are scarce in the West prior to the 11thc ( homiletic treatment__ from passing remark to fully dedicated homily__ seems to have disappeared with Haimo of Auxerre ), and the possible linkage of this phenomenon with a renewed condemnation of certain docetic and semi-docetic theologies, I have come upon a fresco which resides in the small and unused crypt "chapel" of the Monastery of St. John of Rila in Bulgaria. This 'chapel" is rather a small niche with a crude shelf cut from the stone wall of the crypt,on which, or rather before which memorial services for the departed were served.
The fresco ( 12thc?) depicts a fairly standard Byzantine
Crucifixion layout, with the exceptional inclusion of Lazarus among
those gathered at the foot of the cross. Lazarus is no passive
bystander to the event. Rather, as he reaches toward and touches the
feet of Christ (the only figure doing any such reaching), his right
shoulder and arm still not fully freed the bonds of his own grave
clothes and hanging loosely, are absorbing the blood which drips from
Christ's feet and body.Christ's blood seem to travel up the
unravelling grave clothes turning them a deep scarlet.
My question:Has anyone encountered anything like this in
Western Medieval representations of the Crucifixion or
representations of Lazarus? ; or in fact, any such unexpected and
unlikely appearances of Lazarus__ textual or visual for the period
1100-1500.
Thanks in advance, for considering my search.
Josef Gulka
Josef Gulka
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215- 732-8420
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