Open AccessBaptism - The Divine Touch
Author(s) -
Geir Hellemo
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
acta ad archaeologiam et artium historiam pertinentia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.101
H-Index - 3
eISSN - 2611-3686
pISSN - 0065-0900
DOI - 10.5617/acta.5711
Subject(s) - baptism , motif (music) , rite , christianity , interpretation (philosophy) , character (mathematics) , philosophy , art , theology , aesthetics , linguistics , geometry , mathematics
In the original version of the medallion in the Neonian Baptistery, John the Baptist lays his hand on the head of Christ while baptizing him. In the article, the author argues that this motif is of special importance for the interpretation of the ritual act taking place beneath the cupola. When the priest touches the head of the baptisand, the participators in the rite achieve a visual glimpse of divine presence. As God’s acts have a hidden character, the very visual course of events taking place in the baptistery gives the opportunity of discussing divine intervention in early Christianity.