Meditation and Contemplation: Word and Image at the Service of Medieval Spirituality

The use of images in intimate piety the XIV–XV centuries responded to need create a mental reality that would be complemented by imitation Jesus’, Mary’s and saints’ lives turned into models permanent emulation. faithful were expected show same qualities as these divine characters, so spiritual practices acquired ethical public implications. Devotional objects played central role meditation, affecting senses soul directly. religious effigy provoked an empathy with what was viewed helped jogging memory feelings about holy figures all stages their lives, varying emotions detriment each event. If one thought, for example, risen Christ, experience joy, but if meditated on His Passion, become afflicted sorrow. dissemination habits contemplating numerous treatises concerned directing evocation are sufficient evidence confirm triumph visuality excitement piety.