Saturday, March 26, 2005

Holy Saturday - The Harrowing of Hell

What's supposed to be the quietest day of the year, and I'm rushed off my feet! *Sigh*

Anyway, a few images of the Harrowing of Hell.

Christ breaks open the doors of Hell with His cross in this manuscript.
Durer's approach differs somewhat. Christ has already bashed through the door and is pulling John the Baptist up from the pit. Note how Christ looks wearied, almost aged. Eve looks much younger than Adam and behind them you can see Moses with the tables of the law.
From a Medieval Exultet roll.
A charming, almost placid one from a Dutch book of hours.

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