medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Never mind the wall paintings
(although they are rather marvellous but not “faded” they were painted
over after the dissolution and only uncovered – which took off the top layer of
paint – in the late 19 century) this is what we do:
http://www.shipoffools.com/Mystery/2007/1453.html [a report of
a service with Desmond Tutu presiding]
What amuses me about
our wall paintings is that, even though, as far as anyone can tell, the figures
of Saints in particular were changed as and when someone who wanted a particular
Saint depicted came along and got someone to paint over one attribute with
another one, there are still people around today who will get very worked up
about who or what a particular painting depicts.
The phrase “you pays
your money (we were, after all , a Benedictine establishment) and you takes your
choice” springs to mind.
T
From: "Ms B M Cook" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2007 3:37
PM
Subject: Re: [M-R] Januarius identification
>
medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and
culture
>
> A book on
>> illuminated mss. by a very
prominent scholar (whose
>> name escapes me, I'm not being discreet)
identified
>> the Annunciation to Zachary (beard and all) as
the
>> Annunciation to Mary!
>
> This is one of the VERY
badly faded wall painting in St Alban's Abbey!
>
> It IS obvious
when it is pointed out to you, but the false identification
> was a
"given" for many generations of guides!
>
> NOT only bearded, but
flat-chested and having a tunic slit up the sides in
> male fashion
....
>
> This mis-identification occurs in Eileen Roberts: The
Wall-painting of St
> Albans Abbey. The Fraternity of the Friends, 1993.
page 27.
>
> A genuine Annunciation to the BVM occurs on page
26.
>
> The two paintings are on adjacent columns.
>
>
Of the 5 painted columns, each has a crucifixion on it and under each is
a
> painting apparently depicting the BVM: 2 x virgin & child; 1 x
[ 2 x]
> Annunciations and 1 x Coronation of the BVM. It is NOT really
surprising
> that the 'odd' picture was misinterpreted until very
recently..
>
>
> Brenda M
C.