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
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
|