03-09-2016, 07:28 PM
Let's look at the analysis methodology for images in recent discussions. Presented with a VMs image, the general method of investigation is to search for similar representations and present those examples from various other manuscripts. As with the recent discussion of VMs Leo, the author presents one image which is then compared with the extant array of historical illustrations. This is an image *comparison* methodology, not an image *analysis* methodology. It is an investigation of how one image compares with others, not an investigation of the purpose the image may have in the manuscript.
Image comparison takes a VMs example and references it *externally*. Image analysis takes a VMs example and demonstrates additional examples that are found *internally* - within the VMs. An investigation of VMs Pisces could compare the various artistic elements as to how the two fish are drawn. And that will lead off in one direction. Or the investigation can recognize the existence of a *pair* of fish. And then follow the examples of pairing, which leads in another direction and is evidenced by multiple, consecutive and compounded VMs examples. It is through the analysis of these examples that an investigator can consider whether such structure is accidental or intentional, and whether continued investigation along this line is warranted.
It seems to me that there are two possibilities of methodological orientation. One has a single point of contact with the VMs. It is externally focused and it is tangentially relevant. The other possibility has multiple points of VMs contact. It is internally oriented and it is radical - potentially - aimed at the root of the VMs.
Image comparison takes a VMs example and references it *externally*. Image analysis takes a VMs example and demonstrates additional examples that are found *internally* - within the VMs. An investigation of VMs Pisces could compare the various artistic elements as to how the two fish are drawn. And that will lead off in one direction. Or the investigation can recognize the existence of a *pair* of fish. And then follow the examples of pairing, which leads in another direction and is evidenced by multiple, consecutive and compounded VMs examples. It is through the analysis of these examples that an investigator can consider whether such structure is accidental or intentional, and whether continued investigation along this line is warranted.
It seems to me that there are two possibilities of methodological orientation. One has a single point of contact with the VMs. It is externally focused and it is tangentially relevant. The other possibility has multiple points of VMs contact. It is internally oriented and it is radical - potentially - aimed at the root of the VMs.