lesyeuxdargus.wordpress.com/2014/09/10/le-sommeil-des-mages-de-la-cathedrale-dautun/ In searching for something else, I came across a black and white postcard of this image. It was one that I'd bought in Autun, France, and sent to mother in Bristol 49 years ago. It is a C12th stone carving on top of a pillar in the cathedral and depicts the wise men being warned in a dream to return by a different route in order to avoid Herod's pursuing soldiers. I like this early example of an alarm call - the angel's finger prodding the hand of one of the wise men while the others gradually waken. The angel points to the star - perhaps by way of proving his/her divine authenticity (not a robot). I also like the way that the wise men have gone to bed with their crowns on. |