성경의 요한 묵시록과 앙제의 묵시록 타피스트리의 표현언어에 관한 비교 연구

A Comparative Study of the Expressing Languages in the Apocalypse in the Bible and Angers Apocalypse Tapestry

Angers Apocalypse tapestry is known as one of a few masterpieces of all times that combined a divine subject, monumental value and extraordinary style. The main theme of the tapestry reflects text of the Apocalypse, and each scene of visual hallucination is depicted in vivid details. Sometimes art and literature borrow each other's form and style; a literary work can be turned into an artwork, and vice versa. Finding expressive figures in language makes it possible to blend visual art elements with verbal culture. The aforementioned tapestry work shows an example on how a discourse can have control over forms. That is, Angers Apocalypse tapestry faithfully reproduced narrative of the text, through simplification, naturalistic expression, and impeccable and delicate skill of the masters. In converting the text into form of tapestry, a variety of periodic cultural codes is revealed, in terms of clothes and architecture. To overcome difficulty of visual description of the text, the number of figures was limited. Other strategies were cleverly employed, such as omission and curtailment of details, and expression of inner feelings through facial expression. These are the outcomes of the effort for visual presentation of the scene, independent from the original text of the New Testament. Despite the innate limitation of transforming an artwork into another genre and style, the tapestry work, as quintessential accomplishment of the Gothic art, guides us to appreciate message of St. John through its rich visual images.