Today is the feast of St John the Apostle, seen here with eagle and palm in the silver seal matrix of #ClareCollege (the half-figure is 8mm high), & in the sumptuous Breviary of Marie de St Pol, best friend of the #LadyOfClare. 🧵 1/3
Until this year, the only published photo was so fuzzy that there were debates as to whether there was a bird, and interpretation of the palm. Even with the RTI image, discussion continues. Falconer friends think this most resembles a #GoldenEagle, scaled to speak comfortably to St John, while… standing on his fist? as raptors usually do… or on his open palm? as a trusted messenger of God? 🧵 2/3 #StJohn#theology#interpretation#StoneCarving#illustration
Add comment