In this lecture, Jonathan Pageau presents a thoughtful examination of the Last Judgment through the lens of a late-11th-century mosaic, challenging the traditional view of it as solely an end-time event. He suggests that this imagery symbolizes an ongoing process of identity formation, where every entity acts as a judge, continually evaluating its alignment with its essence. This interpretation casts the Last Judgment in a new light, with the ideal human being as the ultimate measure of this alignment.

Pageau further delves into how this imagery interacts with its placement within the Church, enhancing the narrative of creation and ultimate fulfillment. He draws attention to the layered symbols within the scene, such as the crucifixion and harrowing of Hades. By exploring the cosmic symbolism—Christ as the source, the sheep and goats as symbols of inclusion or exclusion, and the strategic placement of figures—Pageau encourages a view of the Last Judgment not as a daunting reckoning but as a powerful allegory for the continuous formation and evaluation of identity against a higher ideal. This perspective not only demystifies the traditional fears associated with the Last Judgment but also prompts a personal reflection on how we align with broader, universal truths.

Jonathan Pageau is a renowned artist and the host of The Symbolic World podcast. He specializes in the interpretation of symbolic patterns across various cultural and historical contexts. Learn more about Jonathan Pageau and embark on a journey into the symbolic universe by visiting his podcast at http://thesymbolicworld.com and his website at http://www.pageaucarvings.com.

Glossary of Terms

Iconography: The visual images and symbols used in a work of art or the study or interpretation of these.
Byzantine Art: A style of art developed in the eastern Mediterranean in the late first millennium AD, characterized by its religious themes and extensive use of icons.


Resources

Ralston College
Website: https://www.ralston.ac/
YouTube:    / @ralstoncollegesavannah  
X:   / ralstoncollege  

Images

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta, Torcello, Italy: The Last Judgement, Apse Mosaics
Church of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy: 6th century Mosaic
The Basilica of Saint Sabina, Rome, Italy: Wooden door panels depicting The Ascension
Ascension of Christ, Rabbula Gospel Book (fol. 13v)
The Monastery of Apollo at Bawit, Egypt
Chapel of the Domus Galilaeae, Israel
Russian the Last Judgment Icon (Novgorod version, 15th century)

Quotes

"I believe that the image of the Last Judgment is actually a way to understand how identity formation functions." - Jonathan Pageau [00:09:00]

"We have to transform people; that's real. And that is undeniable when you meet someone that is transformed." - Jonathan Pageau [00:57:00]

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Medieval Cosmos and Jonathan Pageau
00:06:30 - The Image of the Last Judgment and Its Significance
00:13:40 - Exploring the Fractal Nature of Medieval Symbols
00:17:40 - Understanding the Last Judgment and Its Structure
00:24:40 - Iconographic Representation of Christ, the Virgin, and Saints
00:29:00 - The Right Hand and Left Hand of Christ in the Last Judgment
00:37:00 - The Hetoimasia and the Prepared Throne
00:39:20 - Depictions of Paradise and Hell in the Last Judgment
00:50:20 - The Problem of Fragmentation and the Nature of Sin
00:55:00 - From Division to Unity: The Path Forward
00:57:50 - Q&A Session: Symbolism, Imagery, Rationality, and Integration