In Search of a Divine Face Physiognomy and the Representation of Sanctity in Christian Art

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Authors

CROCI Chiara

Year of publication 2019
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source RIHA Journal
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Arts

Citation
Web https://doi.org/10.11588/riha.2019.2.70059
Doi http://dx.doi.org/10.11588/riha.2019.2.70059
Keywords Physiognomy; Portrait; Icon; Sanctity; Earthly vs spiritual man
Description The article aspires to show how physiognomy was used in late antique art in order to give substance to the theophanic dimension of a person, especially of a saint. Drawing on monumental art, sculpture, daily life objects and catacomb paintings or mosaics, it is possible to discern that the physiognomic features were used as iconographical attributes, which were adjusted depending on the context and of the degree of holiness of the person depicted (saints, deceased, patrons). Therefore, the article allows to follow the transition from portrait to 'icon' characterizing the late antique period.
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