Reading the secret code of medieval images - the iconography of the apostles

Summary

This video script delves into the symbolic language of medieval Christian iconography, focusing on the portrayal of the 12 apostles in art. It explains how each apostle is identified through unique attributes related to their life stories, using the well-preserved painted reed screen at Beeston Regis as an example. The script also touches on the Apostles' Creed and its representation in art, linking the apostles to Old Testament prophets in a typological scheme. The speaker teases an upcoming course on iconography and invites viewers to explore medieval stained glass in more depth.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Christian iconography has a symbolic visual language that can be learned and read, allowing identification of saints without name labels.
• ⛪ In the late Middle Ages, low literacy levels meant that this symbolic language was inherently understood by worshippers.
• 📚 The speaker offers an introductory course on iconography on Teachable, with a deeper dive into the subject available in July.
• 🔑 Saint Peter is often depicted with oversized church keys, symbolizing the keys to the kingdom of heaven given by Jesus.
• ✝️ Saint Andrew is shown with an X-shaped cross, reflecting the tradition that he chose this form of crucifixion as he felt unworthy to be crucified like Christ.
• 🍷 Saint John is depicted with a chalice and a viper, symbolizing the oral tradition of him surviving a poisoned cup.
• 🗡️ Saint James the Great is often shown as a pilgrim with walking boots, a walking stick, and a scallop shell, referencing his shrine at Santiago de Compostela.
• 🪚 Saint Simon is depicted holding a saw, symbolizing his martyrdom by being sawn in two, a tradition believed in medieval England.
• 📖 The twelve apostles are sometimes shown with scrolls containing the clauses of the Apostles' Creed, reflecting their roles as messengers of the faith.
• 🪞 Medieval art often placed the apostles with attributes and sometimes texts to help the congregation identify and learn about them.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is the identification and portrayal of the 12 apostles in medieval art and Christian iconography.

How does the speaker plan to demystify the identification of saints in medieval art?

The speaker plans to demystify the identification of saints in medieval art by introducing the symbolic visual language of Christian iconography that can be learned and read.

What is the significance of the number 12 in the context of the apostles?

The number 12 is significant as it represents the 12 apostles, who were chosen by Jesus to spread the gospel and form a new nation of Israel, which is the Church.

Why was Saint Matthias included as an apostle in some Western medieval art?

Saint Matthias was included as an apostle in some Western medieval art because he was chosen by lot to replace Judas Iscariot, maintaining the number of apostles at 12.

What is the purpose of the attributes held by the apostles in art?

The attributes held by the apostles in art are symbolic objects associated with their unique life stories, which help to identify them when their names are not present.

What is the significance of Saint Peter holding oversized church keys in art?

Saint Peter holding oversized church keys signifies his role as the keeper of the keys to the kingdom of heaven, as given to him by Jesus in Matthew's Gospel.

Why is Saint Andrew often depicted with an X-shaped cross?

Saint Andrew is often depicted with an X-shaped cross because he was crucified on such a cross, choosing it as he considered himself unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as Christ.

What is the significance of Saint John's attribute of a chalice with a viper or demon coming out of it?

The chalice with a viper or demon signifies an event where Saint John drank poison that turned into a serpent or viper, demonstrating the power of his faith and the truth of the gospel.

Why is Saint James the Great often depicted as a pilgrim in Northern European art?

Saint James the Great is depicted as a pilgrim in Northern European art to represent his journey to his own shrine at Santiago de Compostela in Spain, a popular pilgrimage destination.

What is the role of the Apostles' Creed in medieval iconography?

In medieval iconography, the Apostles' Creed is sometimes depicted with the apostles holding scrolls with the clauses of the creed, symbolizing their role in teaching the congregation the words of the creed.