The image as an instrument of identity - The figuration of Saint Jerome in the Biblical manuscript ANTT, Lorvão 45

Abstract

Our discussion focuses on the image of the 'Scribe' that fills the first initial of a 13th century Bible, Ms. ANTT, Lorvão 45. It reflects an exercise of analysis based on Panofsky's method, but complemented by the vision of images as a possible result of multiple meaning, applied by Jean Wirthas hybrid iconography. Several 'Scribe' images, from Bibles of these same period, are compared with earlier ones, in order to achieve a deliberate iconographic system, which relates the Scribe (as scriptor) with Jerome (Doctor of the Church).