The Case of the Missing Anastasis. An iconographical conundrum in the presbytery of S. Maria Antiqua
Per Jonas Nordhagen|Пер Олав Фолгеро
In the present contribution, two authors approach a limited part of iconography in sanctuary Santa Maria Antiqua Rome, painted during pontificate John VII (705-707 AD). Two different hypotheses will try to come closer solution problem concerning Christ cycle on side walls, where Christ’s appearance Disciples Road Emmaus is concluding motif. This rather reasonable stands, however, huge contrast John’s his oratory Old Saint Peter’s Basilica which concludes with ʽHarrowing Hellʼ or descent into Hades. Being novelty, this, so called Anastasis-scene, liberates prisoners Hades, has strong soteriological, salvation historical, meaning. Anastasis, which, fact, appears locations rich assembly motifs S. Antiqua, wholly absent from highly ʽcerebralʼ iconography. Our alternative solutions this absence both include an either as free hanging icon (Nordhagen), motif included vast Adoration scene triumphal arch, here located below Crucifixion steep Cliff Golgotha (Folgerø).
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