Answer :

Final answer:

The disc of light shown around the head of a sacred person in religious art is known as a halo, often depicted in Christian imagery to symbolize the divine nature or sanctity of the figure. A cruciform halo identifies Christ, while a mandorla represents an expanded divine aura. The halo's representation across cultures and in art employs techniques such as reflective materials and perspective to convey the presence of holiness.

Explanation:

The disc of light shown round the head of a sacred person is most commonly referred to as a halo or nimbus. This iconographic element can be seen extensively in Christian art, symbolizing divine light or sanctity. For instance, in Christian imagery, Jesus Christ is often depicted with such a halo, exemplifying his holy nature. The halo, at times, appears inscribed with a cross, known as a cruciform halo, to specifically identify Christ. Additionally, a larger, almond-shaped aura, known as the mandorla (Italian for almond), is sometimes depicted around Christ's figure to further emphasize his divine nature.


The use of the halo in religious iconography is not restricted to Christianity. Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Near-Eastern art feature a similar concept, where sacred or divine figures are represented with an emblem of divinity like the sun or a star. The halo, as explained by Ouspensky, is symbolic of the light in religious icons. The physical attributes of halos have also been influenced by depicting figures in a certain perspective, such as the one-point perspective where light from a window gives a halo effect to Jesus' head.


In Byzantine art, religious scenes often employed gold tesserae, which reflect sunlight and candlelight, giving off the impression of a divine glow or halo around sacred figures. This technique, seen in mosaics, was meant to convey the presence of divine light and signify a holy presence for the viewers. Additionally, the gold leaf used in religious art further enhanced this impression by creating a shimmery backdrop to the holy scene, thereby adding to the illuminated effect of the halo.

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