The Journal of Speculative Philosophy, Vol. I, Nos. 1-4, 1867Various
Philosophy
The Journal of Speculative Philosophy, Vol. I, Nos. 1-4, 1867
Various
Philosophy -- Periodicals
The curious student of the New Testament may succeed in identifying the
different disciples: Andrew, holding the books of the Law, is Peter’s
brother, and bears a family resemblance. Judas, at the extreme left,
cannot be mistaken. Matthew looks over the shoulder of Bartholomew, who
is pointing to the demoniac; while Thomas—distinguished by his youthful
appearance—bends over toward the boy with a look of intense interest.
Simon (?), kneeling between Thomas and Bartholomew, is indicating to the
mother, by the gesture with his left hand, the absence of the Master.
Philip, whose face is turned towards Judas, is pointing to the scene on
the mount, and apparently suggesting the propriety of going for the
absent one. James, the son of Alpheus, resembles Christ in features, and
stands behind Jude, his brother, who points up to the mount while
looking at the father.
V. ORGANIC UNITY.
(_a_) Doubtless every true work of art should have what is called an
“organic unity.” That is to say, all the parts of the work should be
related to each other in such a way that a harmony of design arises. Two
entirely unrelated things brought into the piece would form two centres
of attraction and hence divide the work into two different works. It
should be so constituted that the study of one part leads to all the
other parts as being necessarily implied in it. This common life of the
whole work is the central idea which necessitates all the parts, and
hence makes the work an organism instead of a mere conglomerate or
mechanical aggregate,—a fortuitous concourse of atoms which would make a
chaos only.
(_b_) This central idea, however, cannot be represented in a work of art
without contrasts, and hence there must be antitheses present.
(_c_) And these antitheses must be again reduced to unity by the
manifest dependence of each side upon the central idea.
What is the central idea of this picture?
(_a_) Almost every thoughtful person that has examined it, has said:
“Here is the Divine in contrast with the Human, and the dependence of
the latter upon the former.” This may be stated in a variety of ways.
The Infinite is there above, and the Finite here below seeking it.
(_b_) The grandest antithesis is that between the two parts of the
Picture, the above and the below. The transfigured Christ, there,
dazzling with light; below, the shadow of mortal life, only illuminated
by such rays as come from above. _There_, serenity; and here, rending
calamity.
Then there are minor antitheses.
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