Not aware of any studies on the iconography of this idea, but you may want
to check the medieval Song of Songs tradition on Song of Songs 4, 12:
"Hortus conclusus soror mea sponsa hortus conclusus fons signatus"
The Annunciation dipictions could very easily have this verse in mind when
one considers the Marian interpretation of the "sponsa" of the Song.
Perhaps the older tradition of the sponsa as the Church influneces
depictions of paradise...
Just a few thoughts; hope they aren't too unhelpful.
Donald Jacob Uitvlugt
At 09:30 AM 2/11/00 -0800, Susan Kerr wrote:
>One characteristic of Paradise (the Greek word paradeisos comes from the
>Persian for enclosure) from Genesis to Revelation and on to the middle ages
>and Renaissance unto our own day is that the place of pleasure is enclosed.
>The wall which differentiated that space from others exists in many images.
>Fra Angelico's Annunciations and the unicorn tapestry come to mind
>immediately. Chartes and Gothic cathedrals play with this image of the
>church as enclosed garden, as did Romanesque churches and cloisters.
>
>Perhaps someone on this list knows of studies on this image? I've searched
>without success and would be very grateful for help.
>
>Susan Kerr
>
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