John of AllFaith's
Questions and Answers

Questioner: "A"

Subject: Holy Trinity

Question: Hey,

I am doing a presentation on El Greco's "The Holy Trinity" I understand the concept of God being three: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But I do not see how that relates entirely to the painting. I see the father and son, but who are the people surrounding the Father, why is there a dove, and why are there heads of small children? What do those things have to do with the Holy Trinity?

Thanks

---

John of AllFaith's reply

Hi "A",

I'm not an art historian but I'll be happy share my take on it. At Jesus' baptism the Holy Spirit appeared in the form of a dove, this is the dove.

The people around him are angels, if you look closely you can see their wings.

At his feet the beings you take as children are the cherubim who sing God's glory before His throne. They will tell the tale for all eternity having personally witnessed it.

I'm not sure if art historians will accept this or not, but if you look to the left of the painting there are three figures. One seems to be looking lovingly at the Holy Spirit (dove)-- who will the Church in the future, one is looking with a fearful demeanor at the person in the center, and that one has a decidedly sinister gleam in his down turned eyes. This person, I believe, is Lucifer who was defeated by the resurrection.

Hope this helps,

~John of AllFaith


You are visitor number...



Who cares, I'm glad YOU'RE here!

	Welcome to John of AllFaith's AllFaith.com Visit the AllFaith.com web sites
	AllFaith.com: Home Page
	Ask a Question or Read My Answers! (in association with Allexperts.com)
	Visit John of AllFaith's Blog
	AllFaith.com: Religious Studies
	AllFaith.com: Hindu Studies
	AllFaith.com: GLBT Christian Studies
	AllFaith.com: Noahide Nazarene Way
	AllFaith.com: Jewish Studies
	AllFaith.com: Buddhist Studies
	AllFaith.com: Islamic Studies
	AllFaith.com: Pagan Studies
	AllFaith.com: Humor Pages
	John of AllFaith's Soapbox
	Contact John of AllFaith