Visual Metaphor as Theology: Leo the Great's Sermons on the Incarnation and the Arch Mosaics at S. Maria Maggiore
Joanne Deane Sieger
The 5th-century S. Maria Maggiore mosaics have prompted a number of iconographic interpretations, most based on the view that they are textual illustrations. I propose to consider two particularly problematic scenes as "visual metaphors" for 5th century pastoral theology set forth by Leo in his sermons Nativity and Epiphany. Leo's hypostatic union proclaims Christ be both divine human, Son God son David, conceived born Virgin from royal Davidic line. Annunciation is crucial establishing this: hence her prominence sermons, woman gold panel should identified an Annunciation. Epiphany indicate theological necessity linking Herod Christ-in-Egypt pericopes so demonstrate defeat paganism through recognition Egyptians, paradigmatic "people error," Christ's universal rule. panel, whose identification Flight into Egypt has often been questioned, can understood light "Egypt" theology.
Gesta