Angels, Lucifer and the Harrowing of Hell

Paper Summary:

Angels are among the most recognizable Christian iconography. The paper looks at the representation of angels in medieval literature and art including that of Lucifer, the angel who led the rebellion of the angels in heaven.

From the Paper:

"Lucifer, the angel who led the rebellion of the angels in heaven, is referred to as the 'Light-Bearer'. Page three of the Junius manuscript shows his descent into the mouth of hell. Lucifer's feet, arms, and neck are chained, which corresponds with St. Peter's description of the fallen angels. The chains are fixed to the teeth of the mouth of hell. The entrance to Hell is typically represented in art as a beast's mouth. This could be a deferral to Classical art and literature, where the beast Cerberus guarded the gates to the Underworld. Cerberus was generally described as a three headed dog with serpent's tail and other beastly features. Whilst Lucifer is chained at the mouth of hell in the Junius depiction, the other rebel angels are pictured still falling towards the beast. They are illustrated in various stages of undress, with their bodies contorted uncomfortably."

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