Aureola

17th century Central Tibeten thanka of Guhyasamaja Akshobhyavajra, Rubin Museum of Art

Mexico.NstraSraGpe.Repro

Chora Church Constantinople 2007 013

Codex Bruchsal 1 01v cropped

Aureola or aureole refers to a radiance of luminous cloud which, in religious art, surrounds the whole figure of a sacred personage. This concept is most commonly associated with Christianity, where it is traditionally used to depict holy figures such as saints, martyrs, and especially the figures of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The aureola serves as a symbol of the divine light or glory that emanates from such holy individuals, signifying their purity, sanctity, and connection to the divine.

Origin and Development

The concept of the aureola has its roots in pre-Christian art, where it was used to signify divinity or a divine presence. In ancient Greek and Roman art, gods and emperors were often depicted with a radiant crown or halo to signify their importance and divine nature. With the spread of Christianity, this symbolism was adapted to represent the holiness of Christian figures. The earliest Christian depictions of the aureola can be traced back to the 4th century, initially appearing in the catacombs of Rome.

Symbolism

In Christian iconography, the aureola represents the light of God shining through the individual. It is a visual symbol of sanctity and a marker of the figure's divine nature or close relationship with the divine. The use of the aureola in art serves to distinguish holy figures from other characters within a scene, highlighting their significance and elevating their status to that of the heavenly realm.

Variations

The depiction of the aureola has varied over time and across different cultures within Christianity. The most common form is the halo, a circular glow or ring that surrounds the head of a sacred figure. However, full-body aureolas, known as mandorlas, are also used, especially for representations of Christ in Majesty or the Transfiguration, enveloping the entire figure in a luminous oval.

In Other Religions

The concept of an aureola is not exclusive to Christianity. Similar motifs can be found in various other religions and spiritual traditions, where they serve to denote divinity, enlightenment, or spiritual power. For example, in Buddhism, depictions of Buddha and other enlightened beings often include a halo or aura, symbolizing their enlightenment and spiritual purity.

Contemporary Use

While the use of the aureola has declined in modern religious art, it remains a powerful symbol of divinity, sanctity, and the presence of the divine within the individual. It continues to be used in traditional iconography and is recognized as a key element of religious symbolism.