A Study Of The "Cloud" Symbol In Christian Icons

Christian images have always been very important subject in Western painting.Since the Middle Ages,the artists have created a large number of works of religious themes in history.Many experts and scholars have also conducted multi-faceted research on it.However,in the study of Christian art images,the interpretation of“clouds”is very rare and often overlooked.In fact,“cloud”is widely used in Christian icons.For example,“cloud”served as an embellishment of environmental background in the early figure paintings.Gradually,“cloud”began to occupy most of the picture and played a role in creating space.Not only that,"cloud" also has props function and symbolism in the icons.For example,the Epiphany and Ascension need to use the "cloud" to express and so on.Therefore,"cloud" as a painting symbol,it has very importarnt research significance and value.The relationship between religion and art is a cultural proposition with a long history.Christianity is the cornerstone of western civilization and occupies an important position in western culture and art.The research idea of this thesis starts with Christian icons and applies Formalism,Iconology,Semiotics and especially the“cloud theory”put forward by Hubert Damisch of the French critic.Through the analysis of a large number of Christian icons and related literature materials,Expounding the significance of the study of the“cloud”symbol in the Christian icons.This thesis is divided into four chapters to study the "cloud" symbol in Christian icons.Chapter one firstly analyzes the symbol of "cloud" and summarizes several expressions of the "cloud" symbol in the icons;Chapter two commences with the"cloud" space construction in tableau and analyzes its composition functions."Cloud"evolvement as it gradually becomes the center of the screen from the background,until it occupies the most part in the tableau,and discuss how "cloud" breaks the closed space to construct a virtual open space in Christian icons.Chapter three mainly discusses the functions of the“cloud”in the Christian icons.As a prop,the“cloud”has the function of epiphany and ascension and enhances dramatic effects;Chapter four mainly discusses the symbolic meaning of“cloud”symbol in the Christian icons,it symbolizes God's presence,God's guidance,and heteromphsim space in the Christian icons.