11-12-2006, 12:38 PM
If this was an isolated example it would be tempting to dismiss it as a scribal error.
In support of my interpretation of this usage of the word rhomphaia is an 11th Century version of the Book of Kings . A miniature illumination (Cod. Vat. Gr. 463 Fig 52 fol 28v) of which shows a particular incident in the life of an earlier divinely appointed ruler, David. The priest Abimelech gives David food and the rhomphaia of Goliath. The Greek word used in the text is rhomphaia even though in English it is usually translated as sword. The manuscript illumination below says it all. (I apologise for the poor quality - if anyone has a better image please post it.)
What we have in these instances is contemporay illuminators using a word that meant something else at earlier periods of history and making a definite association with an image in their visual vocabulary.
I am certain other examples will no doubt follow. It all makes sense, Byzantine art fundamentally remains a Christian art form, the art produced by the state emphasizes the imperial aspect of the Christian religion. This iconographic message has a neat semiological formula. The Divine Ruler is blessed or touched by Christ and invested by the agency of incorporeal beings - the archangels and saints - with authority and power over the nations. The rhomphaia - in this case a spear – rather than a particular weapon, is an instrument of Imperial Power which is conferred by God.
In support of my interpretation of this usage of the word rhomphaia is an 11th Century version of the Book of Kings . A miniature illumination (Cod. Vat. Gr. 463 Fig 52 fol 28v) of which shows a particular incident in the life of an earlier divinely appointed ruler, David. The priest Abimelech gives David food and the rhomphaia of Goliath. The Greek word used in the text is rhomphaia even though in English it is usually translated as sword. The manuscript illumination below says it all. (I apologise for the poor quality - if anyone has a better image please post it.)
What we have in these instances is contemporay illuminators using a word that meant something else at earlier periods of history and making a definite association with an image in their visual vocabulary.
I am certain other examples will no doubt follow. It all makes sense, Byzantine art fundamentally remains a Christian art form, the art produced by the state emphasizes the imperial aspect of the Christian religion. This iconographic message has a neat semiological formula. The Divine Ruler is blessed or touched by Christ and invested by the agency of incorporeal beings - the archangels and saints - with authority and power over the nations. The rhomphaia - in this case a spear – rather than a particular weapon, is an instrument of Imperial Power which is conferred by God.
Peter Raftos
