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Painters of Christian subjects in the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance developed a complex system of geometry which they used to order the various elements in the image. They did this because they were convinced that the aesthetic dimension of their work resided in the structure of the work. More specifically, the artists of the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance believed that the particular aesthetic experience which geometric compositional structure provides corresponded to Christian mystical experience. Thus a work of art that combined geometric structure, naturalistic style, and Christian imagery could provide an experience analogous to that of Christian revelation. This paper traces the development of this idea from its origin in the Old Testament tradition, its formalization in Greek thought and its full flowering in early Christian painting.

Among the considerable manuscript production of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the Bible moralisee stands out by the number of miniatures and by the conception of the manuscript itself. The composition and many iconographical themes recall stained glass windows of contemporary cathedrals, such as Chartres, Sens, Bourges, or Canterbury in England. / The manuscript of the Bible moralisee to which this study is partly dedicated, is located in the Treasury of the Toledo cathedral chapter in Spain. This study deals also with the duplicate copy which was realized soon afterwards. The interpretation and illustrations of the verses vary in number according to the books of the Bible. Though being one of the smallest biblical books, the Song of Solomon is given outstanding consideration, more than any other book in the Bible. The central theme--the espousal of the Bride and the Bridegroom, Christ and Ecclesia being its allegory--enjoyed a considerable success in medieval theology. It corresponded to the courtly love atmosphere of its time. Abundant commentary literature and the development of mariology made this book even more popular. About a quarter of the commentary illustrations are dedicated to the theme Christus-Ecclesia. Ecclesia, always crowned, holds the chalice which confirms her sacramental significance. In no other known iconographical medieval programme has Ecclesia such a position. / The question raised by the problematic around this Bible is the eventual intention being at the origin of this order which, without any doubt, emanates from French royalty. Has it been produced to enhance the prestige of royalty? Is it a pedagogical work intended for the education of the royal children? Was it meant to be a royal political gift? The Ecclesia theme in the Bible is the exaltation of, or an hommage to the Church, spiritual or temporal, by the French royalty of the thirteenth century.

This thesis examines Lorenzo Monaco's altarpiece the Man of Sorrows with the Virgin, St. John the Evangelist, with the Emblems and Episodes of the Passion, (c. 1404) under historical, religious, political, and liturgical rubrics. While comparing various depictions of the Man of Sorrows, this project places Lorenzo Monaco's unique interpretation within the context of events surrounding the painting's conception and realization. With particular attention to Lorenzo's distinctive composition, techniques and juxtaposition of imagery, this study shows that his Man of Sorrows in fact conveys a complex message about Florentine society in Late Gothic times.

This thesis will examine the iconography of late-thirteenth- through fifteenth-century images of St. Veronica's veil, also known as vernicles. In the late Middle Ages, vernicle iconography changed from iconic representations of Christ's face toward graphic imagery of Christ's suffering during his Passion. These passionate transformations, as I have called them, were affected by the Roman Sudarium relic, popular devotion to Christ's suffering and humanity during his Passion, and the Catholic ritual of Mass. This thesis will consider how the function of vernicle images during Mass was reflected in their iconography throughout Europe between 1250 and 1500.

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