Language:
English
Pages:
Illustrationen
Year of publication:
2005
Titel der Quelle:
Ars Judaica : the Bar-Ilan journal of Jewish art
Publ. der Quelle:
Ramat-Gan
Angaben zur Quelle:
1 (2005), Seite 51 - 62
Keywords:
Israel (Altertum)
;
Geschichte 395-1453
;
Tierkreis (Motiv)
;
Synagoge
Abstract:
The zodiac panel, with its depiction of the sun chariot, is derived from pagan sources. In Roman art (as afterwards in Christian art) it represented apotheosis, the doctrine of resurrection and immortality, and the faith and hope for eternal life. In pagan Rome the cyclical nature of the seasons embodied the idea of eternal life, resurrection, and the promise of a new life. The laws of nature, including the cycle of the seasons, were attributed to the emperor. The panel of the personification of the sun, the zodiac, and the seasons is an example of Jewish artists borrowing from pagan sources, stripped of all idolatrous connotations. Classical images were imbued with Jewish significance, which were in harmony with basic Jewish precepts. The zodiac panel thus offers an eschatological and messianic meaning: the theme of renewal and the divine gift by felicity in the present, as well as resurrection and fulfillment in the End of Days. This can point to an overall approach in the decoration of synagogues. The general theme alludes to the End of Days, the rebuilding of the Temple, world peace, and the fulfillment of God's promise to his people and their salvation.
