Abstract
The principle of the ‘double aspect’ can be applied to the exegesis of not only the Scriptures but of pictures. Semioticians (most notably Roland Barthes (1915–80)) have argued that some visual images possess ambivalence, that is to say, a double valency or twin powers that are mutually interactive and interdependent. An ambivalent image may be conceived as having an upper and lower storey: the lower storey is the realm of the visible, ostensible, evident, and denoted subject of the picture; the upper storey, of the implied, connoted, or evoked subject of the picture. One image: two storeys. Two storeys: two stories. The paintings of Welsh artist Nicholas Evans (1907–2004) comprise two stories: one about mining, the other about religion. These two stories are often told together.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Imaging the Bible |
Subtitle of host publication | An Introduction to Biblical Art |
Editors | Martin O'Kane |
Place of Publication | London |
Publisher | Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge |
Pages | 123-141 |
Number of pages | 19 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780281058976, 0281058970 |
Publication status | Published - 01 May 2008 |