mandorla

(noun)

A luminous cloud that surrounds the figures of Christ and the Virgin Mary in traditional Christian art.

Related Terms

(noun)

An almond shape cloud or radiance that surrounds sacred figures, such as Christ or the Virgin Mary in traditional Christian art.

Related Terms

Examples of mandorla in the following topics:

  • The Chora Church in Constantinople

    • Christ, in gold, stands behind the Virgin surrounded by a mandorla and holds an infant, representing the Virgin's soul.
    • Christ, standing over a bound Satan, wears a white robe and is framed by a white and light blue mandorla.

  • Norman Painting

    • A classic scheme for the full painted decoration of a church had, as its focal point in the semi-dome of the apse, Christ in Majesty or Christ the Redeemer enthroned within a mandorla and framed by the four winged beasts (symbols of the Four Evangelists).
    • One such is the Crucifixion of Poitiers, a remarkable composition which rises through three stages: the lowest stage is a quatrefoil depicting the Martyrdom of St Peter; the largest central stage is dominated by the crucifixion; and the upper stage shows the Ascension of Christ in a mandorla.

  • Romanesque Painting and Stained Glass

    • At its focal point in the semi-dome of the apse, it commonly presented either Christ in Majesty or Christ the Redeemer enthroned within a mandorla and framed by the four winged beasts, symbols of the Four Evangelists.

  • Mosaics in the Early Byzantine Empire

    • Christ, standing in the center as the focal point, is crowned with a halo and surrounded by a mandorla as his awestruck apostles observe the event.

  • Norman Stained Glass

    • Peter; and the upper stage shows the Ascension of Christ in a mandorla.