medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
This demon thread leads me to another devil iconography. In some
depictions of the Temptation of Christ the devil is disguised as a monk:
http://www.geocities.com/cdesastre2000/TXti.jpg
I have been trying to find a text that can explain this particular
iconography. So far, the only reference I came across with is provided
by Oswald A. Erich, Die Darstellung des Teufels in der Christlichen
Kunst. Erich quotes Petrus Venerabilis (PL. 189, col. 879), to whom the
Devil appeared in the guise of the abbot of Grotta Ferrata, as the
source for this iconography. E. Merlini ("Il trittico eburneo della
Certosa di Pavia" Arte Cristiana, LXXIII (1985), pp. 369 ff),
discussing this iconography says that "il tipo di "demonio-fratre [.]
aveva trovato la propria giustificazione teorica già in Pietro il
Venerabile". I suspect that the Italian author is just quoting Erich's
claim.
This curious type was known in different parts of Europe, from Spain
(El Escorial) to The Netherlands
(http://www.geocities.com/cdesastre2000/TXti2.JPG)
or Italy
(http://www.geocities.com/cdesastre2000/TXti3.jpg)
And it was commented by the same Luther: "Darum habens die Maler eben
recht troffen, wenn sie den Teufel malen in einer Münschkappen und
seinen Klauen unter erfür. Denn er von Anfange [.] nichts anderes tut,
denn die Welt mit Müncherei verführt" (that brings to mind
the "monachatus non est pietas" of Erasmus).
My question is: any of you knows of some study concerning this topic?
Having access neither to BHA nor the Patrologia Database, I should be
very grateful if any of you could help me with this matter.
Thanks for your patience,
Carlos
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