EROS IN LATER CHRISTIAN ART (With Jesus and/or God)

EROS IN LATER CHRISTIAN ART

(With Jesus and/or God)

“One picture is worth ten thousand words” –Frederick R. Barnard; Printers’ Ink; March 10, 1927 (from an old Chinese proverb).

Well, let’s pursue that theory:

Note how later Christian art even duplicated Eros’s nakedness:

There’s Christ with my two little friends right there:

Seeing Salvation: Images of Christ in Art, MacGregor, 2000, p. 196, plate 61, “Till Kingdom Come” Basilica Cosma e Damiano (Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian):

Pp. 197-198:

Today’s faith researchers diligently examine this apse for the answer to that question, but cannot find it. But I can.

http://rubens.anu.edu.au/raid2/newimages/htdocs/bycountry/italy/rome/churches/ss_cosmas_damian/P1010511.JPG:

http://rubens.anu.edu.au/raid2/newimages/htdocs/bycountry/italy/rome/churches/ss_cosmas_damian/P1010514.JPG:

http://rubens.anu.edu.au/raid2/newimages/htdocs/bycountry/italy/rome/churches/ss_cosmas_damian/P1010512.JPG:

Look! For all you skeptics out there, here’s an example of what Eros does not look like:

Nor is this a good likeness of Eros:

… Maybe.

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # CS005177, Crucifix From the Treasury of San Gennaro, 18th century, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

Seeing Salvation: Images of Christ in Art, MacGregor, 2000, p. 95, plate 30, “The Quest for the True Likeness | Volto Santo, Cathedral, Lucca (Italy)”:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # CS011013, View from the North of Sepulcher Monument of Antonius Triest by Jerome Duquesnoy the Younger, Date Created: 1657, Located in: Cathedral of Saint Bavo, Christian art, Jesus Christ, Cross (2), Cupids:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # MI001691, Crowning Baldachin on the Main Facade of Certosa di San Lorenzo at Padua, 17th century, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AJ001571, Madonna and St. Bernard by Matej Vaclav Jackel, Date Created: 1709, Christian art, Devotional images of Jesus Christ with the Virgin Mary, Putti, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AX029361, Detail of Holy Trinity from Holy Trinity Column by Fulop Ungleich and Antal Horger (stands opposite Matthias Church, Trinity Square, Budapest, Hungary), ca. 1710-1713, Christian art, Jesus Christ, God the Father:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AW012288, Detail Showing Figures of God and Christ from Holy Trinity Column by Fulop Ungleich and Antal Horger (stands opposite Matthias Church, Trinity Square, Budapest, Hungary), ca. 1710-1713, Christian art:

Sculptures of God and Christ seated beneath a golden dove at the top of Trinity Column, in the Hungarian capital of Budapest. The column was designed by Philipp Ungleich and built bewteen 1710 and 1713.

He is such an angel:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # NG001165, The Agony in the Garden, probably 1460s, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

There’s Jesus praying to Eros / Erotics.

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # CS011015, Sepulcher Monument of E. d'Allamont by Jean Delcour (Located in: Cathedral of Saint Bavo), 1670, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # DS002437, Adoration of Christ, 17th Century, Christian art:

http://www.abcgallery.com/B/botticelli/botticelli40.html, Alessandro Botticelli. Holy Trinity with Mary Magdalene, St. John the Baptist and Tobias and the Angel (Pala della Convertite). c.1491-1493:

Alessandro Botticelli. Holy Trinity with Mary Magdalene, St. John the Baptist and Tobias and the Angel

http://www.abcgallery.com/M/murillo/murillo5.html, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. The Vision to St. Francis at Porziuncola. c. 1667:

http://www.mickeycox.com/murillo3.shtml, Murillo's "The Vision of St. Francis of Assisi":

Murillo's 'The Vision of St. Francis of Assisi'

I would say that Eros definitely represents “Christian” love.

http://www.maryqueenoftheuniverse.org/museumstfrancis.html, The Vision of Saint Francis of Assisi, C.A. Villacres, 1907:

Born late in the 12th century, the eldest son of Pietro de Bernardone, one of Assisi's wealthiest merchants, St. Francis spent his early years in unrestrained youthful extravagance. After experiencing a vision of Christ, however, young Francis attracted many followers and remains today one of the faith's most beloved and inspiring figures.

“detail of putti”:

The words the putti are holding roughly translates from Latin as: The rich who do not renounce all that they possess, can not be worthy of me.

“Rough” words, but it comes directly from Jesus in the Bible.

http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/stf01035.jpg (via http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/stf01002.htm), Images of Saint Francis of Assisi, “paintings”:

For all you skeptics still out there, here’s an example of what Eros does not look like:

Nor can this be worthy cheer for the Prince of Peace:

… Maybe.

http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/c/carducho/vicente/vision.html (Web Gallery of Art), CARDUCHO, Vicente: Vision of St Francis of Assisi, 1631:

Click!

This painting and its parallel, St Anthony of Padua and the Infant Christ (The Hermitage, St. Petersburg) used to be the central pieces of the side altars of the church San Gil, Madrid.

http://www.wga.hu/art/c/carducho/vicente/vision.jpg (via http://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/html/c/carducho/vicente/), CARDUCHO, Vicente, “Vision of St Francis of Assisi,” 1631:

Art and Archaeology of Rome: From Ancient Times to the Baroque, Augenti, 2000, p. 216, “Guercino, Saint Petronilla, 1623”:

Art and Archaeology of Rome: From Ancient Times to the Baroque, Augenti, 2000, p. 66, “The Age of Constantine (Fourth Century)” (built 1108):

P. 67:

Vatican Museums, Rome, Newsweek, 1968, pp. 110-111, “Raphael: Disputation of the Sacrament”:

http://www.geocities.com/avalonianchurch/astraltemples.html, Astral Temples of The Avalonian Catholic Church:

Here is a 1248 crucifixion from the Chapel of San Silvestro in Rome:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV001702, Trinity by Albertinelli Mariotto, Date Created: late 15th-early 16th century, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://keptar.demasz.hu/arthp/html/r/rosso/, Madonna and Child with Saints, 1518:

Infinite Jest: Wit and Humor in Italian Renaissance Art, Barolsky, 1978, p. 103, figure 5-2, “Rosso Fiorentine. Madonna and Child with Saints”:

The Life of Christ: Images from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), Burn, 1989, pp. 54-55, “Christ in the House of Martha and Mary, Paolo Gerolamo Piola”:

P. 95, “List of Illustrations | (pages)54-55:

His Face: Images of Christ in Art, Wheeler, 1988, p. 115, “Jan Van Scorel, Benediction of Christ”:

P. 128, “List of Color Plates | Triumph”:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # CS007359, The Eternal Father, 1498-1500, Christian art:

2000 Years of Christian Art, Newton / Neil, 1966, p. 149:

P. 303, “Notes on the Illustrations | (page) 149”:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # JP001441; Sculpture of Christ and Cherubs in Saint Nikolaus Parish Church, Hoselwang, Germany; Christian art:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV003486, Christ Enthroned with Saints by Bonifacio Veronese, 1530-31, Christian art:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV004751, The Infant Jesus Asleep by Lavinia Fontana, 16^th century, Christian art:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # NG001745, Madonna and Child With Saints John the Baptist and Catherine of Alexandria, 1530s, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # NC001887, The Adoration of the Shepherds by Jacob Jordaens, 1657, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # IE002051, Early Netherlandish Painting Depicting the Virgin and Child Enthroned, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV004031, Holy Virgin and Saint Gertrude by Giuseppe Maria Crespi, 1665-1747, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

For all you skeptics out there, here’s an example of what Eros does not look like:

Not according to truth:

Mini Me 34-Inch Tall Standee

… Maybe, but probably not.

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL002968, Madonna and Child with Saints by Pellegrino da San Daniele, 1494-1495, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL004022, Flight into Egypt by Pordenone, 1528-1536, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL004151, Panel Painting Depicting the Coronation of the Virgin Mary with Saints by Master of the Pala Sforzesca, ca. early 16th century, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # NG001576, The Adoration of the Shepherds, ca. 1637, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV003708, The Marriage of St. Catherine of Alexandria by Alessandro Tiarini, ca. 1620-1630 (?), Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV004287, Madonna with Child by Paolino da Pistoia, ca. 1500-1550, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # NG001563, The Nativity With God the Father and the Holy Ghost, ca. 1740, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # IH051413, The Virgin Presenting the Rosary to Saint Dominic, ca. 1679-1688, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

That’s what’s called “Jesus Christ surrounded by the pagan god of sexual love.”

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV003949, Madonna with Sainted Bishop and Priest by Unknown Artist, ca. 15th century, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV003755, Adoration of the Shepherds by Prospero Fontana, ca. 1500-1550, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV003745, The Adoration of the Magi by Jacopo Palma il giovane, 1608, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV004296, Madonna and Child with Saint Nicholas of Tolentino and Saint Augustine by Bernardino Loschi, 1515, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # NG001176, The Two Trinities, 17th century, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # DE004381, Baptism of Christ by Scarsellino, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

For all you skeptics out there, here’s an example of how Eros doesn’t hover over Christ:

Nor could this portray the god of sexual love:

… Yes!

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # NG001517, The Baptism of Christ (ca. 1598-1600) by Adam Elsheimer, ca. 1598-1600, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV004350, Coronation of the Virgin by Daniele Crespi, ca. 1630, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV001546, Rest on the Flight Into Egypt by Anthonie van Dyck, 17^th century, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # NC001924, Madonna and Child Enthroned With Saints and Donors by Bernardino Lanino, 1552, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # NG001484, The Adoration of the Kings, 1649, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # OM001122, Baroque style Painting of the Annunciation with Additional Putti, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL002705, Rosary Madonna Altarpiece by Gaspare Narvesa, 1617, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL002909, Surrender of Udine to Venice by Palma Giovane, 1595, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # IE001539, The Annunciation by Luca Giordano, 1672, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

For all you skeptics out there, this does not depict the recurring pattern of Eros:

Not here either:

… Maybe, somewhere there.

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # DL004315, Christmas Crib [detail], Christian art, Jesus Christ:

Nativity scene from the Christmas crib built in the 18th century for King Charles III of Naples, [Italy, ca. 1959].

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # NG002076, The Adoration of the Kings, 1573, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # CS004219, Virgin and Child Enthroned With Saints, 1488, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # NC002106, The Madonna of Loreto Appearing to Saint John the Baptist, Saint Eligius, and Saint Anthony Abbot by Domenichino, 1618-1619, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # CS009511, The Pieta by Andreas Abadal, 1731, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV004035, Madonna of the Rosary by Goivanni Antonio Scaramuccia, 1580-1633, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL002320, Coronation of the Virgin from Fresco Cycle at Santa Maria delle Grazia by Pomponio Amalteo, 1538, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL003976, Appearance of Jesus Christ from Fresco Cycle with Scenes of Life and Passion of Christ, Sala dei Battuti by Francesco Figini Pagani, ca. 1550, Christian art:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # IE001827, Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints Mary Magdalene and John the Baptist by Giuliano di Piero di Simone Bugiardini, ca. 1510-15, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # BE087344, Detail of Saint Catherine Receiving Wedding Ring from The Marriage of Saint Catherine by Veronese, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # CS004493, The Holy Family, 16th century, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

For all you skeptics out there, is this the image that hovers over the King of Kings?

Nor can this be a place for love:

… Shore enough.

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # HT009211, The Virgin of the Cradle by Marc Antoine Raimondi, ca. 1500-1534, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # CS004118, Lamentation of Christ by Annibale Carracci, 16^th century, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # CS009291, Virgin of Belen by Melchor Perez de Holguin (Museo Nacional de Arte, La Paz, Bolivia), 17^th century, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL006357, Detail Showing the Virgin and Child in Heaven from a Hymn in Silver Frame with Reliefs, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV004116, Virgin and Three Saints by Eusebio da San Giorgio, 1513, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV004310, Assumption of the Virgin Mary by Luca Ferrari, ca. 1600-1650, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # CS008812, Adoration of the Shepherds by Bartolome Esteban Murillo, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV003754, Adoration of the Shepherds Attributed to Hans von Aachen, early 17th century, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV003705, The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine by Alessandro Varotari, ca. 1610-1620, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # MA15463A, Original and Sketch for Christ on the Cross with Virgin and Saint John by Parri Spinelli, ca. 1440, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AJ002106, Madonna of the Rosary with Saints Dominic and Catherine by Sassoferrato, 1643, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # DE004044, Detail Showing Cherubs Holding the Vernicle from The Deposition by Francesco Celebrano, Located in: Cappella di Santa Maria Della Pieta dei Sangro (Sansevero Chapel, Naples, Italy), ca. 1729-1814, Christian art, Jesus Christ (with crown of thorns):

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # DE001688, Portable Altarpiece with the Pieta (open) by Annibale Carracci, ca. 1560-1609, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL004231, Panel of the Rosary Madonna by Palma the Young, ca. 1600, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV004039, Adoration of Virgin and Child by Pietro Vannucci, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV002656, Madonna of the Snow With Saints Lucy and Mary Magdalen by Guido Reni, ca. 1622-1623, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # HT008305; Woodcut Print with Medieval Depiction of the End Times from Liber Chronicarum Compiled by Hartmann Schedel; ca. July, 1493; Christian art; Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV003764, Madonna and Child by Fiorenzo di Lorenzo, ca. 1440-ca.1525, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV003903, Sacred Family by Gian Domenico Cerrini, 17th c., Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV003884, The Adoration of the Shepard by Marcello Venusti, 16th c., Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL002707, Detail Showing St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena from Rosary Madonna Altarpiece by Gaspare Narvesa, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV003838, Madonna and Child Attributed to Bernardino Fungai, 1460-1516, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # BU001222, The Sleep of the Infant Jesus by Francois Boucher, 1758, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL003268, Coronation of the Virgin by Pomponio Amalteo, Located in: Parish Church of Corbolone, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # BQ001093, 19th-Century French Devotional Image of the Madonna and Child, 19th century, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # CS011080, Adoration of the Shepherds by Gaspar de Crayer, ca. 1610-1669, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # CS004219, Virgin and Child Enthroned With Saints, 1488, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://www.artist-biography.info/gallery/bellini/183/, JACOPO, GIOVANNI, and GENTILE BELLINI, Painters of Venice, (circa 1400-1464; 1428-1516; 1426-1507), “Virgin and Child, altarpiece, Santa Maria dei Frari, Venice”:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL003208, Detail Showing God the Father from a Ciborium Reliquary with Religious Figures in High Relief, Christian art:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL004124, Detail Showing Saint John from the Astylar Cross, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search #, Detail Showing the Crucifixion of Christ on Ceremonial Reliquary Cross from San Daniele del Friuli, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL005364, Renaissance European Gold and Silverwork Reliquary, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL005365, Detail Showing Jesus Christ from a Renaissance European Gold and Silverwork Reliquary, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL005366, Detail Showing an Angel from a Renaissance European Gold and Silverwork Reliquary, Christian art:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL007038, Renaissance Reliquary with figures of Mary and Christ, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL007040, Detail of Christ Figure from a Renaissance Reliquary with figures of Mary and Christ, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL007039, Detail Showing the Virgin Mary with Cherubs from a Renaissance Reliquary with figures of Mary and Christ, Christian art:

Eros definitely became an enduring symbol in Christian iconography. That’s “literally,” by true definition, “erotic” art.

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL006554, Detail of God the Father from a Renaissance European Gold and Silverwork Reliquary with the Four Evangelists, Christian art:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL006923, Renaissance Silverwork and Jeweled Reliquary, Christian art:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL006519, Base from Renaissance Goldwork Reliquary, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL006518, Base from Renaissance Goldwork Reliquary, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # 0000320667-008, REIMS: ON THE TRAIL OF CLOVIS (Basilica St. Remi, France), Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL006318, Relief with Figures of Christ, Apostles and Seraphim in Gold Leaf, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL007041, Renaissance Silverwork Plaque Depicting Pieta, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # MI003065, The Chapel of San Gennaro in San Martino, Naples, ca. 1623-1631, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AJ002102, Detail Showing God the Father from Sculptural Program of Sant'Agostino by Giacomo Serpotta and Workshop, 1711-1729, Christian art:

For all you skeptics out there, here’s an example of what Eros does not look like:

Nor does this resemble Eros:

… Yeah, I think so… kind of.

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # 74903, Tx-San Antonio, Christian art, Jesus Christ (with mother):

Man and the Renaissance, Martindale, 1966, p. 52, “Christ and the Doubting Thomas. 1465-83”:

The Life of Christ: Images from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), Burn, 1989, p. 61, “Magdalen Anointing the Feet of Christ in the House of Simon the Pharisee, Maestro Giorgio Andreoli”:

P. 95, “List of Illustrations | (page)61:

http://keptar.demasz.hu/arthp/html/s/sansovin/jacopo/; Jacopo Sansovino, Italian sculptor/architect; “Allegory of Redemption, 1546-65”:

The Life of Christ: Images from the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), Burn, 1989, p. 74, “Ecce Homo”:

P. 95, “List of Illustrations | (page)74:

Seeing Salvation: Images of Christ in Art, MacGregor, 2000, p. 84, plate 26, “The Quest for the True Likeness”:

Pp. 86, 88:

http://www.tibor.gr/the_chapel/007-eksm.html (via http://www.tibor.gr/the_chapel/the_chapel.html), "Pieta (Madonna Holding Dead Jesus Christ)":

Pieta (Madonna holding dead Jesus Christ)

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # AV003160, The Dead Christ by Marco Basaiti, End 15th-start 16th century, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

http://pro.corbis.com/, Search # EL004631, Jesus Christ as Man of Sorrows from High Altar of St. Anthony by Donatello, 1447-1450, Christian art, Jesus Christ:

For all you skeptics out there, this is not as powerful as the god of love:

Nor is this guy Eros:

… Maybe (the one on the right).

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