A repertoire of comic figures of the antique theatre in miniatures of Byzantine Psalters with marginal
Bemabò Massimo
Recent investigations on ninth-century Byzantine Psalters have focused mostly the impact of iconoclast controversy iconography marginal illustrations in these manuscripts. In fact this has been greatly exaggerated and Psalter that can be connected to debates icon are less than a dozen out total few hundreds. The present article focuses figures illustrating social moral types psalms. These cannot considered as novel inventions artists who painted our Their origin must drawn back late antique prototypes; particular it is inferred most represent characters were originally modeled after acted stage theater, mime pantomime. A number examples miniatures Carolingian manuscripts Terence other media provides parallels gestures, postures features illustrations. iconographical invention for psalms date from fourth sixth century, period during which theater was still very popular, notwithstanding strong opposition Christian Fathers. Chroricius Gaza' Apologia memoriam writings witness popularity up middle century ample variety stage. scissor arranged five plates collecting of, respectively, types, emotions caricatures, professions, gods devils.
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