28-10-2016, 08:59 AM
The discussion about this manuscript is interesting, so I split this thread so we can stick to discussion about the new book and its articles in the original one.
Of course it is understandable why this image reminds people of the VM. I would also share it if I came across it, especially since the human figures do look a bit similar.
This discussion reminds me of what JKP recently said about alchemical imagery, that it's so recognizable for those who know about it, and in that sense not very "secret" at all. I think that is what Diane is getting at here: we can immediately place this image within the alchemical tradition, and people familiar with its imagery will understand at first sight what it means. I am not that familiar with it, but I immediately see moon-blue-female separated from sun-red-male. No such distinction appears to inform the VM bathing sections.
The VM appears to have a different cultural approach to nudity altogether. The VM makes no problem of women and men being naked together, and while the women in the other MS are depicted in a rather standard "modest pose", those in the VM are You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.
Of course it is understandable why this image reminds people of the VM. I would also share it if I came across it, especially since the human figures do look a bit similar.
This discussion reminds me of what JKP recently said about alchemical imagery, that it's so recognizable for those who know about it, and in that sense not very "secret" at all. I think that is what Diane is getting at here: we can immediately place this image within the alchemical tradition, and people familiar with its imagery will understand at first sight what it means. I am not that familiar with it, but I immediately see moon-blue-female separated from sun-red-male. No such distinction appears to inform the VM bathing sections.
The VM appears to have a different cultural approach to nudity altogether. The VM makes no problem of women and men being naked together, and while the women in the other MS are depicted in a rather standard "modest pose", those in the VM are You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view.