Re: VMs: Alchemical

["GC" <gc-@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jorge wrote:

>     2. another "nymph" in the Biological section is holding a
>     cross-shaped object. I doubt whether it is actually a Christian
>     cross icon, since it seems to be held as a tool rather than as an
>     object of reverence.

Good point, something I've considered with little results.  I've been able
to identify some of the other items as medical instruments, but I've not
found any instrument or tool that corresponds to the well-drawn cross image,
except maybe an astronomical device, which would be somewhat out of context
with the remainder of colocated the images.  There are a couple of other
places besides your list that I *think* there might be christian symbolism,
but since these are matters of interpretation, I've not discussed them on
the list.  In the end I have no problem accepting that this item is indeed a
cross.

I'd like to hear more about the *rings* that occur in several places.  What
first threw me was the relative size of the ring to the individual, but
later I found some information on folk traditions that indicate that these
may not be *wedding* rings as I had first thought, but a wooden painted ring
that was given as a *promise* of marriage, engagement if you will.  Granted
this tradition dates back a bit, and I'm not certain as to when it actually
ended as a common peasant practice, but was apparently observed in celtic
and nordic climates, including Wales, Scotland, and parts of Russia.  If
nothing else this might say something about the author's travels and
awareness of folk traditions.

GC




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jorge Stolfi" <stolfi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <vms-list@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, October 03, 2004 7:41 AM
Subject: Re: VMs: Alchemical


>
> François asked
>
>   > Have you remarked the VMs doesn't have a religious sign ?!
>   > No catholic/protestant/jewish symbol. I'm sure of this.
>
> The almost complete lack of symbols from major European religions has
> been noted before. However,
>
>   * There are a couple of *possible* Christian symbols:
>
>     1. a "nymph" in the Zodiac section is wearing a crown with a
>     cross. However the ink of the crown is quite a bit darker than
>     that of the nymph; I am convinced that it is a later addition, but
>     Glen and others maintain that it is an original feature.
>
>     2. another "nymph" in the Biological section is holding a
>     cross-shaped object. I doubt whether it is actually a Christian
>     cross icon, since it seems to be held as a tool rather than as an
>     object of reverence.
>
>   * The nine-circle diagram on the big fold-out has been claimed
>   to resemble a Jewish kabalistic diagram of virtues/powers/whatever.
>   Perhaps those who know about the kabala will want comment on this.
>
>   * The "salt shakers" at the very center of the nine-circle diagram
>   may be towers with "onion" roofs, which could mean oriental-style
>   chrch towers or islamic minarets.
>
> --stolfi
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