Triumphal Visions and Monastic Devotion: The Annunciation Relief of Santo Domingo de Silos
Elizabeth Valdez del Álamo
An unusual combination of Annunciation and Coronation appeared in the Iberian peninsula during second half twelfth century; finest example is a relief Benedictine cloister Silos. For first time, Gabriel kneels before Virgin as two cherubs descend from clouds to crown her. Although similar spirit portals elsewhere, Spanish image has different emphasis. The conflation with expands beyond representation single event into vision future triumph its cause, her miraculous maternity. key understanding this monastic context location Silos, for, although composition was copied throughout north-central Spain, it had visual emotional impact Silos that nowhere else. artist drew upon local international sources. Traditional formulae, particularly Early Christian or Byzantine, were utilized depict regal Virgin. Textual sources included Visigothic Roman rites, literature. While offices for Mary's feast day emphasize Incarnation, triumphal imagery dominates Assumption. These concepts unified treatise on Mary by Ildefonsus Toledo, monk. At least three copies library. His description Gabriel's adoration queenly may be reflected pose. kneeling suggests genuflection at "Et incarnatus est" creed, well traditional expression reverence. special resonance Annunciation-Coronation evolves links between cult monastery's titular saint. intertwining crowning angels, observation day, transitus Santo Domingo reinforced lower cloister, just under second-story cell Domingo. In generated monk multilayered experience, evoking sacred history promise his personal through devotion.
Gesta