Decoration of theIn principioinitials in early insular manuscripts: Christ as a visible image of the invisible God
Małgorzata Krasnodębska-D’Aughton
Abstract The Christological hymn in the Epistle to Colossians names Christ as only image of invisible God, Qui est imago Dei invisibilis (Col. I: 15). This Pauline verse frequently employed by patristic writers was used epitome an iconoclastic view, but it also served both inspiration and theological justification for Christian art.1 St Paul developed his concept not conjunction with Genesis account creation ofman (Gen. 26), relation reformation fallen man back into God (Rom. 8: 29, I Cor. 15: 48-49, II 3: 18. 4: 4).2 In Epistles he masterfully centred such crucial biblical themes fall man, Incarnation well restoration divine grace around a lesson on imago. fusion these established complex multi-layered allowed later exegetes view through chain texts. To this some commentators added idea visible something invisible, their list often ended up artistic image;3 consequently everything perceived or dark glass (cf 13: 12) which one glimpsed divine.4 Following steps exegetes, Insular theology Amongst writers, Bede (c. 673-735) Columbanus 543-615) were aware that bears itself multiplicity connotations included meanings.5
Word & Image