Table of contents:
Video: How in the Middle Ages unfaithful wives were convicted of treason, or the Secret of the lie detector in Cranach's painting "The Mouth of Truth"
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
Cranach's Mouth of Truth demonstrates one of the most popular legends that originated in ancient Italy. During this period, paintings on themes of different stories and beliefs were very popular in European painting. What is the plot of the canvas and why is the lion in the picture called the lie detector of its time?
The origins of belief
First of all, it is necessary to understand what is the “mouth of truth”? This is an old round marble slab with a diameter of 1.75 m depicting a mask of Triton, dating back to the 1st century AD. During the time of the Roman Empire, a mask covered one of the hatches of the Great Cloaca in Rome. However, the most famous function of the "mouth of truth" is its role as a lie detector. Ever since the Middle Ages, it has been believed that if a person who lied reaches out to a sculpture in its mouth, it will certainly bite it off. In the 14th century, this tradition became popular history. In the real scene on the canvas of Cranach, the "mouth of truth" is represented not by the mask of the river god, but by the terrifying sculptural one in the shape of a lion.
Plot
The painting "Mouth of Truth" demonstrates one of the most popular legends that originated in ancient Italy. According to the plot, a woman accused of adultery had to pass a test of the "mouth of truth" in the presence of her husband, witnesses and a judge.
She claims to only lie in the arms of her husband and the jester, and as she speaks the truth, the lion leaves her hand safe and sound. The catch is that the woman came up with a cunning plan when she appeared in front of the statue. She persuaded her lover to come with her under the guise of a fool and hug her right before she reaches out to the statue's mouth, thereby saving herself from exposure and humiliation. The jester is indeed her lover, but the witnesses do not take him seriously. And then she swore that no man except her husband and this fool had ever touched her. The adulteress confidently stretches out her hand in full confidence that the statue will not leave her without an arm thanks to her cunning deception.
Heroes
To the right of the scene, Cranach depicted a jealous husband in a gloomy black coat, whose gaze is fixed on the lion in anticipation of the verdict. On the left are the judges who confirm that the woman's hand was unharmed, and on the right are two elegant court ladies-witnesses, apparently pleased with the result. In some of its details (especially its gaping mouth and mane), the lion of Cranach bears striking resemblances to the "lion of Braunschweig". It is more than likely that Cranach knew firsthand about the Braunschweig lion, the greatest piece of medieval casting. Created in a spectacular single cast, the Lion was commissioned by Henry, Duke of Saxony, in the middle of the 12th century. This iconic sculpture has survived to this day.
Composition
Cranach has developed a perfectly balanced composition within the framework of a square canvas format. The arrangement of the figures and the colors create a clear rhythm in the work. The jester in a blue cloak seems to be framed by the paired figures of judges and witnesses. The fur mantle of the deceived spouse masterfully echoes the lion's mane. On the right is another hero who looks directly at the viewer and makes him an accomplice in the process and a witness to a deceitful theatrical scene.
Parallel to the famous story of Tristan and Isolde
The "Mouth of Truth" in its message is very reminiscent of another medieval legend about Tristan and Isolde. Isolde is also a guilty woman who escaped punishment thanks to her own cunning. The woman, accused by her husband King Mark of committing adultery with Tristan, is brought before God and the court, and swears oath of innocence. And in this legend, like in Cranach, the couple uses tricks to trick society.
The rumor about the relationship between Tristan and Isolde passes from mouth to mouth, grows more and more, and it finally comes to the point that it becomes necessary to resort to God's judgment to prove Isolde's innocence. To prove her innocence, Isolde must walk barefoot on a hot iron. The test is extremely difficult. And what was the plan? Tristan dressed up as a poor pilgrim and came to the court. Nobody suspects the truth. Disguised Tristan takes Isolde in his arms and carries her to the indicated place. Then Isolde announces publicly that no one has ever embraced her except her husband and the pilgrim who brought her to the place of God's judgment. His disguise echoes the Jester's disguise as interpreted by Cranach.
The masterpiece of German Renaissance painting by Lucas Cranach the Elder can be classified as one of his most important works, which is still owned by private collectors. The work was completed 500 years ago. For centuries, the legendary fame of the "mouth of truth" as a lie detector has made it a popular tourist destination in Rome. This admirable motif even featured in a scene in the 1953 Hollywood film Roman Holiday, starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn.
Recommended:
What the Olympics looked like in the "dark ages", or Why do they think that the Middle Ages destroyed sports?
Five rings and the slogan “Faster. Above. Stronger”are integral symbols of the Olympic Games, which are almost 120 years old. Of course, their history is not limited to such a modest time period, it is much older. Contrary to popular belief that the Middle Ages was a dark time in which sports competitions did not exist, this is not at all the case. Then, too, sports flourished, and competitions were held. What the medieval Olympiad looked like, further in the review
Punishment without guilt: 10 Soviet celebrities who were undeservedly convicted
The truth of the popular proverb that one cannot renounce prison and the bag is often confirmed. In the era of the USSR, one could get a prison sentence not only for real crimes, but also on trumped-up charges. Representatives of the intelligentsia, actors, scientists, and politicians were sent to camps. We invite you to recall today those celebrities who served an undeserved sentence in prison or in camps
Do modern women correspond to the ideal of female beauty created in the Middle Ages by Lucas Cranach?
Imagine yourself as God working on a self-appointed task - to create an Eve whose beauty will be considered ideal at all times. As history demonstrates, you will be disappointed with your results. Because physical beauty is not an established set of traits, but an ever-changing composition that humanity develops itself from time to time. So Lucas Cranach the Elder managed to create his own type of beauty, corresponding to his era and the trends of his time
The hidden meanings of the painting by an unknown painter of the Middle Ages: "Musicians"
"Musicians" is one of the most famous works of the Master of female half-figures, which hides the hidden secrets of an unknown painter. The depicted notes are especially curious. Who is this mysterious Half-Figure Master? And what is written on the score?
Power, treason, executions: 6 destinies of famous Kremlin wives
High position in society, wealth and power have long ceased to be the guarantors of happiness. Marriages with high-ranking statesmen are not always the guarantee of a strong family union. Companions of those who stood at the helm of the state were always interesting to the general public, but their fates were often tragic: they often took their own lives, were sent into exile, were subjected to repression