Expert opinions about the VMS

[davidjackson]

Diane said:
That is why a specialist in western Christian art, presented with a figure of that sort, might consider the range of forms known to them within their own field of specialization, and identify the figure as "St.Michael" because they know nothing else that is similar in medieval Christian art.  And they would be mistaken; the piece might be Lucanian Greek of the 5thC BC, a precursor of Michael, but no Christian saint.

If s/he is a specialist in western Christian art, they will know the history of "St Michael" and be able to discuss the wider implications of the iconography, precisely because of their expertise -they should be able to consider the surroundings of the icon in order to decide that actually, it's outside of their area of expertise.

It is the layperson who sees something similar to a 15th century interpretation of St Michael and is unable to consider a wider interpretation.

Sorry, what were we discussing originally here?