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Michelangelo - 1508 Sistine Chapel - 10 The Four Pendentives 2
Identifier
024452
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
In each corner of the chapel is a triangular pendentive filling the space between the walls and the arch of the vault and forming the spandrel above the windows nearest the corners. On these curving shapes Michelangelo has painted four scenes from Biblical stories that are associated with the 'salvation of Israel' by four great male and female heroes of the Jews: Moses, Esther, David and Judith.
- The Brazen Serpent
- The Punishment of Haman
- David and Goliath
- Judith and Holofernes
One can read these scenes as literal stories of course, but none of these symbolically is what it seems.
All represent key methods or approaches that propel one along the spiritual path. Challenges that one faces and which have to be overcome in order to proceed and progress spiritually.
A description of the experience
David and Goliath
David and Goliath is an allegory of the need to 'squash the big I am'. The need for the defeat of the ego if one is to progress spiritually. More detail about this absolutely essential activity can be found by following the link below.
