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Between Heaven and Earth

The Harrowing of Hell

You might know of the Khan Academy, a website that offers free but first-rate lessons in a variety of subjects, from mathematics to art history. A recent lesson in the latter category, by Dr. Nancy Ross and Dr. Paul Binski, discusses (and shows) The Harrowing of Hell, c. 1440-70, a carved painted and gilt alabaster housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, I think. The lecturers are apparently speaking in Kalamazoo, Michigan, so perhaps the exhibit is on tour.

Anyway, the artwork depicts Jesus rescuing Adam and Eve, and some others, and leading them out through the doors of Hell. The biblical background for this is probably more familiar to you than to me (since I am not well read in the Bible) but having this Khan Academy lesson on hand might help illustrate and enliven that background. Do you agree?

 

One response to “The Harrowing of Hell”

  1. Robin Tessier Avatar
    Robin Tessier

    Here’s an interesting commentary on Gates of Hell: http://www.gotquestions.org/gates-of-hell.html

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