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Document Details :

Title: Narrative Art and Narrative Criticism
Subtitle: A Dialogue between Scripture and Art
Author(s): FITZPATRICK, Paul
Journal: Louvain Studies
Volume: 33    Issue: 3-4   Date: 2008   
Pages: 255-272
DOI: 10.2143/LS.33.3.2045800

Abstract :
This interdisciplinary article seeks to analyse the critical interrelationship between narrative art and narrative criticism. Using the multidisciplinary tools of composition, focalization and characterization, we will place Raphael’s Transfiguration, alongside the biblical text: Luke 9:28-45. Blurring the distinction between the visual and the verbal text will enable us to analyse the differing layers of meaning underlying each text. Narrative art is a complex and subtle reading of the text. It seeks to offer a new perspective and an amplification of the text. The artist employs focalization to explore the characterisation of the figures within the text. Narrative Criticism uses focalization as a means to concentrate upon the interpretation and definition of character. This is one of the pivotal meeting points between narrative criticism and narrative art.

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