The homology between the heavenly and the earthly kingdoms in late medieval Portugal

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to study the homology between the heavenly and the earthly kingdoms in late medieval Portugal. The analysis that follows, is based both on large-scale public iconographic programmes, namely mural paintings and architectonic sculpture, and on small-scale media, namely miniatures, coins and tomb sculpture. It will be shown that there is a symbiotic relationship and a deep homology between the two kingdoms, namely in what concerns the rules of plastic depiction and the attributes of royal status. It will also be demonstrated that the homologies between the two kingdoms supported the idea of a perfect and perennial hierarchy on earth, modelled upon the one in heaven.