Aureola crown, modified by an equally simple idea of the emanation of light from the head of a superior being, or by the meteorological phenomenon of a halo. The probability is that all later associations with the symbol refer back to an early astrological origin (compare Mithras), the person so glorified being identified with the sun and represented in the sun's image; so the aureole is the "Hvareno" of Mazdaism. From this early astrological use, the form of "glory" or "nimbus" has been adapted or inherited under new beliefs. A "mandorla" is a vesica piscis shaped aureola which surrounds the figures
What Is Art? that art be "universal" in appeal. Tolstoy approves of early Christian art for being inspired by love of Christ and man, as well as its antagonism to pleasure-seeking. He prefers this to the art born of "Church Christianity", which ostensibly evades the "essential theses of true Christianity" (that is, that all men are born of the Father, are equals, and should strive towards mutual love). Art became pagan—worshipping religious figures—and subservient to the dictates of the Church. The corruption of art was deepened after the Crusades, as the abuse of papal power became more obvious. The rich began to doubt,