Thank you Stephen! The Medieval Cathedrals are full of artistic catechisms. This is a cool idea, but I would probably have to get a graduate degree in Theology first ..or collaborate with a theologian!
I dont think a degree is necessary, everything you write is theologically solid and thats rare. Find a theologian to proof it or collaborate if you ever take up the project. But maybe a topical catechetical book like one on the 7 sacraments would be more suitable here. In any case its a wonderful and compelling way to learn that would translate well to catechetical books i think. I love the medieval harmony between architecture and mnemonic practice and things like this baptismal get the gears turning in my mind for how it could possibly be used to help people memorize the basic theology you outline here.
The images are a wonderful catechism that transcend both literacy and linguistic barriers. The people, old/young, local/foreign, educated/illiterate could all have access to The Story. Latins tend towards statuary and relief carvings, greeks lean towards 🦚🌙🌴🌾🍇 the two-dimensions 🖌️ of the Holy Icon. (the cultural baggage of "statues" was just too great of an artistic step in a land that had suffered iconoclast wars and persecution in the Roman East ~ similar to puritan "protests" smashing 'idols' later in Europe's west) The technology of the Stained Glass Window was another catechal step, chronologically later, simple to 'read'.
Yes! So true! Very interesting. I never thought about why they did not have statues in the East. It makes sense. You can still see a strong Byzantine influence in Romanesque art, especially thematically.
I had to laugh, because my first take was as a computer graphic artist and I was thinking you had unearthed a longlost medieval typeface. Glad to see this multifaceted work and especially mandorla expression of Christ the King seated in Glory (and Judgement).
I am working up an initial post to this Substack platform and this article gave me a much needed boost.
This was so amazing, Amelia! I loved that the baptismal font was so large it confronted people walking into the Church . They had to deliberately walk around it and became captive audiences to the carvings. Incredible images! Thank you for such an enjoyable read!
Incredible article! It is fascinating how much descent imagery there is on the baptismal fonts.
Fr. Mike Schmitz mentioned yesterday in his homily that it is symbolic that the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea which is the lowest point of elevation on earth. So Christ is baptized near the lowest point of the world. It seems very similar to his Nativity in the cave from your last article! Another descent is shown in his death, burial, and the harrowing of Hell.
And yet, the descents are not without their ascents. His Resurrection, Ascension, and sitting in glory in the mandorla are shown masterfully. It’s fun to meditate on the interplay between those vertical mysteries, and really gives one an appreciation for how interconnected Sacred Scripture is. Thank you for your magnificent articles Amelia! They really give God glory!
Thank you! It really is. That is fascinating. I didn’t realize that the Dead Sea was the lowest place on Earth, but how fitting that it is. I am constantly amazed by the poetic harmony of the Bible and the book of creation.
I love your writing and the topics you write about. Keep it up! I sometimes write about liturgical art and the liturgical year. I'm glad to see your work on that topic, since it is so good. I'll leave it to you!
I have never associated scary monsters with a baptismal font but I think it’s a neglected emphasis of being rescued through baptism from original sin and death. It is a reminder of what St John Chrystosothem said, ‘The dragon waits beside the road, to devour those who pass by. We go to the Father of souls, but it is necessary to pass by the dragon.’
Marvellous! I hadn't seen the Freckenhorst font before. And the Eardisley one is magnificent, down to the aketons the soldiers are wearing. These are top class fonts! I really must get out and see some more. Thanks for the quote.
Just got recommended this in my Weekly Stack. Wow. I feel like Protestant churches are missing this: I mean both the teaching art and the history which we ignore.
Thank you..My mom converted to Catholicism and said it was studying history and art that converted her…The arts of the Church are a treasure that Catholics could better appreciate too. They are such a wonderful tool for catechesis and foster reverence and love for God.
This was fascinating! Thank you for the thoughtfulness and effort you put into this.
Your section on dragons made me think of a Lutheran church in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. It was built around the time of the local sensation of a dragon-wolf-like beast called the Hodag. Obviously it was a hoax, but it was pitched quite successfully at that time. But the builders of the church incorporated it into their architecture: Christ stepping on the head of the Hodag is part of the altarpiece (if I’m remembering correctly). Additionally, there are small tile creatures inlaid in the exterior stairs and entry: snake, spider, scorpion, bat, and hodag. My children loved stomping on them on the way in and out of the church.
Anyway, it seems quite audacious of Christians to desecrate the town’s beloved mascot as an emblem of Satan. It brought in a lot of tourist money, and remains a centerpiece of the town today. I was impressed by it.
Thanks again for the fascinating and beautiful post. Baptism is a treasure!
Yes! It seemed…foreign, but also perfectly fitting for the times of the city.
I could be wrong, but I’m guessing builders were German immigrants. I’m sure they were pulling from the European church architecture, and maybe even down to those little details.
I imagine a massive coffee table catechism for the bourgois trad!
A great thing about the character of your posts is that its more about developing a richness of meaning through allegory and deeper comprehension of typology, symbolism in the biblical stories and doctrines, whereas catechisms are more about definition, so the focus is knowing the doctrine of transubstantiation and formulating it precisely (which is good), but biblical allegories of the dogma are not included, and your artistic and architectural references often cover this latter bit nicely, and its a lacuna to be filled in basic catechesis.
The other thing thats cool about the idea is that from the apologetic angle, the argument is on our side in terms of doctrinal continuity vis a vis protestantism, and there is no better argumenat than show off 10-15 C art and architecture, its just there are few books (that i know of) that make this angle readily accesible. e.g. They didn´t know the bible, bla, bla, bla...please, look at this 12c baptismal font, which has more interesting and edifying exegesis and interpretation than contemporary biblical scholars or theologians.
I really appreciate that Stephen… I agree. My mom tells me that they used to have more Catechisms like this that used stories, but now they are mostly out of print. It would be cool to bring them back with art. It is amazing how Biblically literate a medieval craftsman was. I was shocked when I learned how Biblically saturated images like this were.
This is an idea I am definitely going to think about and try to work through.
Great Post Sister! ⛪🌍⚜️✍🏼✝️📸📝💫📚🕊️💦⏳ Laying out the References by the Liturgical Calendar of the Life of Christ Incarne and Ascended was a very wise and helpful format. Quotes from the Fathers are always welcome. THANX, grace and peace to you!⚓
🎶"When Thou O'Lord was Baptized in the Jordan..."☦️
Grace and peace to you sister. It is very prominent in the Theophany (1/6) Hymns 📖 🎶 ⏳of the East to hear about the Fire of Christ's Divinity burning up the dragons lurking hidden in the Waters. (many Holy Icons of Theophany reveal strange & scary creatures and figures in the waters below Christ✔️) The ancient annual Orthodox Feast of Theophany closes out the 12-Days of Christmas and Celebrates the Blessing and healing of the Water Itself. Christ entering into the Waters, at the hand of His Servant, the Forerunner and Baptist Saint John, brings creation 'back' to it's primordial state, allowing all of mankind to be redeemed and delivered by the Divine Mystery and Grace of Holy Baptism.
Excellent post ✍🏼🔔🕯️📿⚓🌊 with references and photos of these wonderful Fonts of Transformation and containers of the Life-Giving water of ⛲Regeneration and LIGHT! ✨ 🌐 ⛪ ☦️ 🕊️
It does not surprise me that they are presenting the Theophany hymns. I love that. “The fire of Christ’s divinity burning the dragons.” Beautiful. The Baptism icon is one of my favorites.
Good Reference to Job and the leviathan lurking in the waters and the reeds. The lions of the Den in Babylon were a unique element to reflect on in our descent into the Font as well....📖 ✅ ⛪(OT & NT) 📜
Excellent! You could write a splendid catechism with this format.
Thank you Stephen! The Medieval Cathedrals are full of artistic catechisms. This is a cool idea, but I would probably have to get a graduate degree in Theology first ..or collaborate with a theologian!
I dont think a degree is necessary, everything you write is theologically solid and thats rare. Find a theologian to proof it or collaborate if you ever take up the project. But maybe a topical catechetical book like one on the 7 sacraments would be more suitable here. In any case its a wonderful and compelling way to learn that would translate well to catechetical books i think. I love the medieval harmony between architecture and mnemonic practice and things like this baptismal get the gears turning in my mind for how it could possibly be used to help people memorize the basic theology you outline here.
There are so many image schemes that would work well for something like this! I really appreciate you suggesting it..It’s a great idea.
The images are a wonderful catechism that transcend both literacy and linguistic barriers. The people, old/young, local/foreign, educated/illiterate could all have access to The Story. Latins tend towards statuary and relief carvings, greeks lean towards 🦚🌙🌴🌾🍇 the two-dimensions 🖌️ of the Holy Icon. (the cultural baggage of "statues" was just too great of an artistic step in a land that had suffered iconoclast wars and persecution in the Roman East ~ similar to puritan "protests" smashing 'idols' later in Europe's west) The technology of the Stained Glass Window was another catechal step, chronologically later, simple to 'read'.
Yes! So true! Very interesting. I never thought about why they did not have statues in the East. It makes sense. You can still see a strong Byzantine influence in Romanesque art, especially thematically.
I had to laugh, because my first take was as a computer graphic artist and I was thinking you had unearthed a longlost medieval typeface. Glad to see this multifaceted work and especially mandorla expression of Christ the King seated in Glory (and Judgement).
I am working up an initial post to this Substack platform and this article gave me a much needed boost.
Thanks Amelia, great work.
lol! Thanks Mike! Daniel Mitsui actually has converted some Medieval type faces into fonts. They are pretty cool looking.
I find that reading often helps me warm up to writing. I’m glad this post could be that for you!
This was so amazing, Amelia! I loved that the baptismal font was so large it confronted people walking into the Church . They had to deliberately walk around it and became captive audiences to the carvings. Incredible images! Thank you for such an enjoyable read!
Thank you so much Denise!
Incredible article! It is fascinating how much descent imagery there is on the baptismal fonts.
Fr. Mike Schmitz mentioned yesterday in his homily that it is symbolic that the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea which is the lowest point of elevation on earth. So Christ is baptized near the lowest point of the world. It seems very similar to his Nativity in the cave from your last article! Another descent is shown in his death, burial, and the harrowing of Hell.
And yet, the descents are not without their ascents. His Resurrection, Ascension, and sitting in glory in the mandorla are shown masterfully. It’s fun to meditate on the interplay between those vertical mysteries, and really gives one an appreciation for how interconnected Sacred Scripture is. Thank you for your magnificent articles Amelia! They really give God glory!
Thank you! It really is. That is fascinating. I didn’t realize that the Dead Sea was the lowest place on Earth, but how fitting that it is. I am constantly amazed by the poetic harmony of the Bible and the book of creation.
.....vertical mysteries.
Thank you!
I love your writing and the topics you write about. Keep it up! I sometimes write about liturgical art and the liturgical year. I'm glad to see your work on that topic, since it is so good. I'll leave it to you!
Thank you Roseanne! I have read your writing in Dappled Things and other places for years.
I have never associated scary monsters with a baptismal font but I think it’s a neglected emphasis of being rescued through baptism from original sin and death. It is a reminder of what St John Chrystosothem said, ‘The dragon waits beside the road, to devour those who pass by. We go to the Father of souls, but it is necessary to pass by the dragon.’
Wonderful quote! Thank you for sharing.
Marvellous! I hadn't seen the Freckenhorst font before. And the Eardisley one is magnificent, down to the aketons the soldiers are wearing. These are top class fonts! I really must get out and see some more. Thanks for the quote.
The Eardisley one is incredible. It may be my favorite. I didn’t even notice that detail!
How very timely! And so informative in the best way.
Thank you Mark!
Just got recommended this in my Weekly Stack. Wow. I feel like Protestant churches are missing this: I mean both the teaching art and the history which we ignore.
Thank you..My mom converted to Catholicism and said it was studying history and art that converted her…The arts of the Church are a treasure that Catholics could better appreciate too. They are such a wonderful tool for catechesis and foster reverence and love for God.
This was fascinating! Thank you for the thoughtfulness and effort you put into this.
Your section on dragons made me think of a Lutheran church in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. It was built around the time of the local sensation of a dragon-wolf-like beast called the Hodag. Obviously it was a hoax, but it was pitched quite successfully at that time. But the builders of the church incorporated it into their architecture: Christ stepping on the head of the Hodag is part of the altarpiece (if I’m remembering correctly). Additionally, there are small tile creatures inlaid in the exterior stairs and entry: snake, spider, scorpion, bat, and hodag. My children loved stomping on them on the way in and out of the church.
Anyway, it seems quite audacious of Christians to desecrate the town’s beloved mascot as an emblem of Satan. It brought in a lot of tourist money, and remains a centerpiece of the town today. I was impressed by it.
Thanks again for the fascinating and beautiful post. Baptism is a treasure!
Oh wow! This is fascinating! A very medieval thing of them to do. Those images definitely seem connected to the ones here.
Very neat! I didn’t know there was anything like that here in America.
Yes! It seemed…foreign, but also perfectly fitting for the times of the city.
I could be wrong, but I’m guessing builders were German immigrants. I’m sure they were pulling from the European church architecture, and maybe even down to those little details.
I imagine a massive coffee table catechism for the bourgois trad!
A great thing about the character of your posts is that its more about developing a richness of meaning through allegory and deeper comprehension of typology, symbolism in the biblical stories and doctrines, whereas catechisms are more about definition, so the focus is knowing the doctrine of transubstantiation and formulating it precisely (which is good), but biblical allegories of the dogma are not included, and your artistic and architectural references often cover this latter bit nicely, and its a lacuna to be filled in basic catechesis.
The other thing thats cool about the idea is that from the apologetic angle, the argument is on our side in terms of doctrinal continuity vis a vis protestantism, and there is no better argumenat than show off 10-15 C art and architecture, its just there are few books (that i know of) that make this angle readily accesible. e.g. They didn´t know the bible, bla, bla, bla...please, look at this 12c baptismal font, which has more interesting and edifying exegesis and interpretation than contemporary biblical scholars or theologians.
I really appreciate that Stephen… I agree. My mom tells me that they used to have more Catechisms like this that used stories, but now they are mostly out of print. It would be cool to bring them back with art. It is amazing how Biblically literate a medieval craftsman was. I was shocked when I learned how Biblically saturated images like this were.
This is an idea I am definitely going to think about and try to work through.
Great Post Sister! ⛪🌍⚜️✍🏼✝️📸📝💫📚🕊️💦⏳ Laying out the References by the Liturgical Calendar of the Life of Christ Incarne and Ascended was a very wise and helpful format. Quotes from the Fathers are always welcome. THANX, grace and peace to you!⚓
🎶"When Thou O'Lord was Baptized in the Jordan..."☦️
Grace and peace to you sister. It is very prominent in the Theophany (1/6) Hymns 📖 🎶 ⏳of the East to hear about the Fire of Christ's Divinity burning up the dragons lurking hidden in the Waters. (many Holy Icons of Theophany reveal strange & scary creatures and figures in the waters below Christ✔️) The ancient annual Orthodox Feast of Theophany closes out the 12-Days of Christmas and Celebrates the Blessing and healing of the Water Itself. Christ entering into the Waters, at the hand of His Servant, the Forerunner and Baptist Saint John, brings creation 'back' to it's primordial state, allowing all of mankind to be redeemed and delivered by the Divine Mystery and Grace of Holy Baptism.
Excellent post ✍🏼🔔🕯️📿⚓🌊 with references and photos of these wonderful Fonts of Transformation and containers of the Life-Giving water of ⛲Regeneration and LIGHT! ✨ 🌐 ⛪ ☦️ 🕊️
Σοφία Χάρης Αγάπη Δόξα🔥
Unity Mercy Truth and Love
It does not surprise me that they are presenting the Theophany hymns. I love that. “The fire of Christ’s divinity burning the dragons.” Beautiful. The Baptism icon is one of my favorites.
Thank you very much!
Good Reference to Job and the leviathan lurking in the waters and the reeds. The lions of the Den in Babylon were a unique element to reflect on in our descent into the Font as well....📖 ✅ ⛪(OT & NT) 📜