Mandorla

The term mandorla refers to the artistic interpretation of an almond shaped aura or halo
surrounding holy figures such as Christ, the Virgin Mary and a few select Saints (Blackford).
Literally, mandorla is the Italian word for almond (Moore); it is an ancient symbol offering hope
and healing (Jensen).
An example of a mandorla can be found in Ashampstead Berkshire in Ashampstead,
England. Here, beams in filled with plaster rather than arched provide the perfect surface
for painting. Stylistically, this work is deed a doom style work, reminiscent of the chancel
paintings at Kemphy. Christ is…