The Starry Night. Art Before the Era of the Icon
Shigebumi Tsuji
The interior of a small tomb discovered in 1991 Lycia is entirely decorated with late fourth- to early sixth-century frescoes arranged program two hierarchically differentiated tiers. lower contains panels representing processions the deceased (probably male) and his kin; ushered by one angel or several, group enters an elevated sphere where Christ saints await them. Four archangels holding staffs ascend through scintillating stars from each corner deep blue vaulted ceiling toward summit. fresco shows modes epiphany: attainable liturgical enactment; other contemplation. Visio Dei was serious concern theologians intellectuals at time. From Cappadocian Fathers until Pseudo-Dionysius, they find shadow darkness as ultimate eschatological topos. motif starry night sky thus became symbol mystagogical topos that expands beyond astral sphere.
Convivium