Ascendit Petrus! (April Fool 2011)
Detail from a fine medieval carved ivory celebrating the Ascension of Saint Peter. This was a belief taught by the anti-pope Morchy, whose monogram sumounts the ivory.
St Peter is shown lifted up by two angels into heaven where he is welcomed by the company of apostles. On his right are the signs of the zodiac, and in the top right corner the Blessed Virgin, who is the "Maris Stella" (star of the sea). As we sing in our Office hymn to the Virgin, she is the "glorious Lady throned on high above the star-illumined sky".
Below, the pope, whose face bears a striking resemblance to Peter, as he is the Successor of St Peter, rules over the church from St Peter's basilica. In his right hand he extends the olive branch of peace, but in his left he holds the sword with which to discipline heretics.
On his left is a depiction of Christ as Helios, the sun god, who is preceded by the eagles, symbols of the soaring doctrine of the Gospel of St John.
This ivory is a rare survival as most depictions of the Ascension of St Peter were destroyed after the condemnation of the doctrine by the Third Council of Antioch. The ivory is in the British Musem.
For more information on this ivory or the doctrine, refer to this website.
Ascendit Petrus! (April Fool 2011)
Detail from a fine medieval carved ivory celebrating the Ascension of Saint Peter. This was a belief taught by the anti-pope Morchy, whose monogram sumounts the ivory.
St Peter is shown lifted up by two angels into heaven where he is welcomed by the company of apostles. On his right are the signs of the zodiac, and in the top right corner the Blessed Virgin, who is the "Maris Stella" (star of the sea). As we sing in our Office hymn to the Virgin, she is the "glorious Lady throned on high above the star-illumined sky".
Below, the pope, whose face bears a striking resemblance to Peter, as he is the Successor of St Peter, rules over the church from St Peter's basilica. In his right hand he extends the olive branch of peace, but in his left he holds the sword with which to discipline heretics.
On his left is a depiction of Christ as Helios, the sun god, who is preceded by the eagles, symbols of the soaring doctrine of the Gospel of St John.
This ivory is a rare survival as most depictions of the Ascension of St Peter were destroyed after the condemnation of the doctrine by the Third Council of Antioch. The ivory is in the British Musem.
For more information on this ivory or the doctrine, refer to this website.