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Richard
medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and cultureIn Eastern Orthodox iconography, Jeremiah usually holds just a scroll with a quotation from either his prophecy or Lamentations on it. But, one does sometimes see the Archangels (especially Michael) or Christ holding an orb (sometimes with a cross) that represents the universe. I can see an association with chrism or holy water, but one of my first thoughts, honestly, was a rose window. But, then, I'm a byzantinist so this Gothic sculpture stuff's a bit outside of my wheelhouse (assuming I even actually HAVE a wheelhouse).********************************************************************** To join the list, send the message: subscribe medieval-religion YOUR NAME to: [log in to unmask] To send a message to the list, address it to: [log in to unmask] To leave the list, send the message: unsubscribe medieval-religion to: [log in to unmask] In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to: [log in to unmask] For further information, visit our web site: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/medieval-religionOn Fri, Apr 10, 2015 at 6:30 AM, richard legault <[log in to unmask]> wrote:medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture********************************************************************** To join the list, send the message: subscribe medieval-religion YOUR NAME to: [log in to unmask] To send a message to the list, address it to: [log in to unmask] To leave the list, send the message: unsubscribe medieval-religion to: [log in to unmask] In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to: [log in to unmask] For further information, visit our web site: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/medieval-religionIn the North Transept Jambs of Chartres Cathedral, Jeremiah is depicted holding an odd attribute I am at a loss to identify. The cross over some sort of scalloped circular disc is described on the University of Pittsburg's web site on Chartres, thusly:He holds an object described as "a Greek Cross in a halo". Kidson describes it as "a halo on which is superimposed the cross, signifying the manner of Christ's death and glorification" (Kidson, p. 35).Image:Description:As far as I know, halos are not usually considered to be material objects that can be held in one's hands and I don't understand Kidson's description.The object looks a bit like a Celtic cross, though usually the arms of Celtic crosses extend past the circumference of the circle.The cross on a circle image used on its own is often considered a consecration cross, a permanent marker of a location anointed with chrism or holy water by a bishop during a consecration rite. However, this hardly seems appropriate for the attribute of an old testament prophet. See Examples:Does the scalloping of the disc or dish beneath the cross have any significance?Why is there a little protrusion or nodule or knob of some sort on the rim of the disc (near the 11 o'clock position)?Are there other medieval depictions of Jeremiah with such an object?Are there instances of such an object used as an attribute of other persons?Has this statute at Chartres been mis-identified?I would love to know what this object is and understand why the sculptor gave it to Jeremiah.Richard J Legault
