Abstract
The paper approaches the theme of vulnerability and woundness from visual semiotic and primarily western Christian iconographic perspective. The sensitive iconographic type Vir Dolorum (The Man of Sorrows) the representation and worship of the wounded body of Christ, came to the fore in religious practice from the 13th to the 14th century onwards, with the spread of a new sensitive religious life initiated by the mendicant orders. What were the meanings and functions of the susceptible cult of vulnerability and wounds? How can we interpret the iconography of woundness, wounded body and its role in medieval religious practice? I approach the interpretation of this theme by drawing on historical sources and by analysing the depiction on Christ in the Crucifixion panel of the Isenheim Altarpiece (16th century, Colmar, Musée d’Unterlinden).
Presenters
Edit Ujvari PhDHead of Department, Cultural Studies, University of Szeged, Csongrád, Hungary
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Fragile Meanings: Vulnerability in the Study of Religions and Spirituality
KEYWORDS
The cult of wounds, Visual Semiotics, Medieval Christian Iconography
