Gothic architecture and alchemy are two topics I'll definitely talk about in my upcoming posts - taking, of course, Fulcanelli's books as starting point.
So, nothing better than introducing the subject with a glimpse of the marvellous Green Man that welcomes us in one of the Jerónimos Monastery's pillars, in Lisbon. As a representative of nature's vegetative powers, the Green Man, a manly facial representation made of leaves and vegetal elements, deserves a special place in many cultures.
So, nothing better than introducing the subject with a glimpse of the marvellous Green Man that welcomes us in one of the Jerónimos Monastery's pillars, in Lisbon. As a representative of nature's vegetative powers, the Green Man, a manly facial representation made of leaves and vegetal elements, deserves a special place in many cultures.
This particular Green Man is carved in the posterior-leftmost pillar- which I believe marks the starting point for an adequate, clock-wise, tour inside the church. In an adjacent part of the building, the sacristy, there's a whole pillar dedicated to the Green Man, which confirms it's relevance in the Jerónimos complex. And yes, pagan symbols are a fundamental part of Catholic architecture - the Rosslyn Chapel alone has more than 110 Green Man carvings (so says Wikipedia!).
Unlike many other Green Man representations, heavy and scary, this one has a light, cheerful, almost joyful expression, that welcomes us when entering the Monastery. Only when I was editing and working on the photos I noticed what seems to be an encrusted blue (?) material in its eyes, which definitely contributes to a lively, warm expression. Something to take a more detailed look next time! Unfortunately there seems to be no trace of chromatic material in the carvings (yes, Gothic buildings were lively painted, at least in the façades).
Every time I go back to Lisbon I visit the Jerónimos Church, in Belém (of course the proximity between the Monastery and the (in)famous pastéis de Belém factory is a plus!). State-of-the-art late Gothic architecture, the Jerónimos represents an endless world of material for architecture, history and symbolism lovers, and will serve as moto for many posts.
Text and photos by Rafael Fraga ©
Unlike many other Green Man representations, heavy and scary, this one has a light, cheerful, almost joyful expression, that welcomes us when entering the Monastery. Only when I was editing and working on the photos I noticed what seems to be an encrusted blue (?) material in its eyes, which definitely contributes to a lively, warm expression. Something to take a more detailed look next time! Unfortunately there seems to be no trace of chromatic material in the carvings (yes, Gothic buildings were lively painted, at least in the façades).
Every time I go back to Lisbon I visit the Jerónimos Church, in Belém (of course the proximity between the Monastery and the (in)famous pastéis de Belém factory is a plus!). State-of-the-art late Gothic architecture, the Jerónimos represents an endless world of material for architecture, history and symbolism lovers, and will serve as moto for many posts.
Text and photos by Rafael Fraga ©
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