Σημειωτική προσέγγιση στην εικαστική απόδοση της παράστασης της Κρίσης των ψυχών σε λαούς και θρησκείες

Abstract

The fate of the soul after death has always attracted man's interest. Perceptions of the Hereafter are a driving force for Life, because as Plato said: "Philosophy is the study of death" (Phaedon 63.b4-69.e2). The ancient Greeks were so concerned about the afterlife, that they created an accurate picture of death and the path that souls follow, as well as a system of reward and punishment for deeds of mortals while they lived. After souls are tried in the great court of judgment, the judges decide where the moral, virtuous and blessed souls will be placed and where the wicked and immoral will end up, according to the deeds of men when alive. The eschatological theme of the Judgment of souls enriched with elements from myths and traditions of peoples and religions has a rich visual performance. Semiologically it offers a wealth of information with references both to life and deeds of men on earth and in Hereafter.

Keywords

• hereafter, eschatology, judgement of souls, psychostasis