Christ in Majesty

The Majestas Domini (Latin for, glory of the Lord ') is an especially popular in the Middle Ages image scheme in which Jesus Christ on his throne, often in a mandorla and surrounded by the four symbols of the Evangelists is presented. The four geflügtelten beings are borrowed from 1.4 to 20 EU Ezekiel and Revelation 4:6-8 EU and are used as symbols of the evangelists since the 2nd century. Frequently Christ holds in his left hand the book of life and his right is raised in speech or gesture of blessing.

Are biblical basis for this representation especially Isaiah 66.1 EU " Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool " and Ezekiel 1:26-28 EU " In what looked like a throne, sat a figure like a human looked. Above what looked like his hips, I saw something like fire and all around a bright glow. As the sight of the rainbow that shows up on a rainy day in the clouds, the bright light was all around. For example, did the glory of the Lord. "

Not as an illustration of a particular Bible verse, but stimulated by various biblical visions, theological interpretations and liturgical texts, this image type was from the 5th century. In the Carolingian period ( 639-987 ), the valid permanent display form made ​​out. After 1300, however, the image type lost its meaning.

The Majestas Domini representations often adorn all sides the beginning of gospel books and fill Apsiskalotten. The Kathedralskulptur it shows in the tympana of the portals.

The motif also occurs in conjunction with other subjects. Especially for extensions to motives of the Apocalypse ( 24 old, 12 apostles ) shifts the accent to the last judgment, such as the ensemble of the Cathedral of Santa Maria in Florence as a dome mosaic in the Baptistery, created by Giotto in 13-14. Century.