mandorla

1 9.9

A pointed oval frame of light around a holy person in art

noun
/mænˈdɔːr.lə/

Specialized

: mandorla

In religious art, the saint is often depicted within a mandorla, symbolizing divine presence and glory.

Examples

The world-famous Einstein hair is reminiscent of the surging mandorla that caps a Buddha image to signify the attainment of enlightenment.

Academic text (1990)
The artist used a mandorla to frame the Virgin Mary, emphasizing her importance in the composition.
In many Renaissance paintings, figures of Christ are surrounded by a mandorla to highlight their sacred nature.

Synonyms

aureola

vsmandorla

Literature

1 9.4

A bright circle of light around a holy person's head

is an almond-shaped pointed oval frame surrounding the whole figure

Surface Forms

mandorla singular

mandorlas plural

Etymology

The word mandorla comes from the Italian word mandorla, which means 'almond'. Artists used the almond-shaped or pointed oval halo around holy figures and saints as a mandorla, so the name helps you remember its almond shape and sacred meaning.