The temptation Gospel is always read on the first Sunday of Lent, for as Christ went into the desert for forty days, so we follow his example and enter the penitential season for forty days.
All of these wonderful images are excellent iconographic interpretations of the deep meanings of such biblical episodes. Thank you for this impressive work!
As always, a superb art class, and a wonderful reflection as well... ”the trials and attacks we too may face during Lent, which may worsen towards the end, when we may begin to feel discouraged about our paltry penances." A timely warming that the devil may try us. Thank you Amelia.
Thank you Michael! I used to listen to Elizabeth Lev’s lectures all the time! I did really enjoy that book. Looking forward to reading her new one on Saint Joseph.
I was blessed to have her as a professor during my study abroad semester in Rome as an undergraduate. She was an awesome teacher and a tough grader. I had to work hard to get a B in her class! 🙂
A truly wonderful collection of illuminated manuscript depictions of Our Lord’s Temptations! Thank you. One of my long standing passions is examining all the colourful and varied details of their different styles. They inform and educate us so much - especially on a theme such as this. Thank you for being a great guide!
Very much enjoyed reading your commentary and viewing the images on this first Sunday of Lent. That initial one from the Bamberg Psalter is especially spectacular. Thank you.
I'm starting to think I need to add illumined Psalters to my growing Psalter collection...
Thank you for bringing out such stunning artwork (and for explaining it - as an artistically-illiterate Prot, I'm finding your explanations delightful).
All of these wonderful images are excellent iconographic interpretations of the deep meanings of such biblical episodes. Thank you for this impressive work!
Thank you Robert! It is amazing how much these manuscripts have to teach us about the life of Christ.
These images are wonderful! Thank you.
Thank you!
As always, a superb art class, and a wonderful reflection as well... ”the trials and attacks we too may face during Lent, which may worsen towards the end, when we may begin to feel discouraged about our paltry penances." A timely warming that the devil may try us. Thank you Amelia.
Thank you very much Al.
Have you read this excellent book by Dr. Elizabeth Lev? I think you would love it!
https://www.amazon.com/How-Catholic-Saved-Faith-Counter-Reformation/dp/1622826124
Thank you Michael! I used to listen to Elizabeth Lev’s lectures all the time! I did really enjoy that book. Looking forward to reading her new one on Saint Joseph.
I was blessed to have her as a professor during my study abroad semester in Rome as an undergraduate. She was an awesome teacher and a tough grader. I had to work hard to get a B in her class! 🙂
What an incredible opportunity! My parents were able to go on a tour with her and said it was wonderful.
The best teachers often have rigorous standards. I remember being surprised by how difficult my first upper level art history class was.
Amazing! What a small Catholic world! 🙂
Great book
A truly wonderful collection of illuminated manuscript depictions of Our Lord’s Temptations! Thank you. One of my long standing passions is examining all the colourful and varied details of their different styles. They inform and educate us so much - especially on a theme such as this. Thank you for being a great guide!
Thank you Sheila! Yes, there is such variety in style even though the poses are basically the same throughout. They are delightful but also didactic.
Very much enjoyed reading your commentary and viewing the images on this first Sunday of Lent. That initial one from the Bamberg Psalter is especially spectacular. Thank you.
Thank you Peter. The Bamberg is my favorite too!
Very insightful analysis. And I love these illuminations. I just started collecting folios myself!
Thank you Brandon! What a wonderful thing to collect.
Where did you find all these amazing images!
I'm starting to think I need to add illumined Psalters to my growing Psalter collection...
Thank you for bringing out such stunning artwork (and for explaining it - as an artistically-illiterate Prot, I'm finding your explanations delightful).
Your commentary is like a thesaurus of the Gospel in art, I love your substack