Fantastic analysis, will be subscribing! Is there any link to the Theotokos as the burning bush in Exodus? That was my first thought when seeing it. Jonathan Pageau has talked a fair bit about the tradition of it being a thorn-bush, linking to the thorns of Genesis and the crown of thorns in the Gospels. Obviously there are no flames though - although the gold As give it a reflective/illuminated/fiery effect.
There's' a ton of Byzantine iconographic tradition linking the Theotokos to the burning bush. the icons always depict the flames. Gold is usually used to represent the imperishable perfections of heaven. (Also, you know, shiny.)
Over 20 years ago I found this image of the Virgin of the dry tree and downloaded it. I have always been fasinated by its deep mystical meaning and beauty. Your analysis of it however, has opened fresh depths of meaning for me. Thank you very much for this Hilary . God bless you work.
From the Carmelite Nuns of the Holy Face in Ireland.
Wonderful! The Orvieto paintings are wonderful. too. More please!
Fantastic analysis, will be subscribing! Is there any link to the Theotokos as the burning bush in Exodus? That was my first thought when seeing it. Jonathan Pageau has talked a fair bit about the tradition of it being a thorn-bush, linking to the thorns of Genesis and the crown of thorns in the Gospels. Obviously there are no flames though - although the gold As give it a reflective/illuminated/fiery effect.
There's' a ton of Byzantine iconographic tradition linking the Theotokos to the burning bush. the icons always depict the flames. Gold is usually used to represent the imperishable perfections of heaven. (Also, you know, shiny.)
Thank you!
Over 20 years ago I found this image of the Virgin of the dry tree and downloaded it. I have always been fasinated by its deep mystical meaning and beauty. Your analysis of it however, has opened fresh depths of meaning for me. Thank you very much for this Hilary . God bless you work.
From the Carmelite Nuns of the Holy Face in Ireland.