Literary notes about aureole (AI summary)
In literature the term “aureole” is often employed to evoke a sense of divine light or ethereal beauty. Authors use it to describe both literal halos surrounding saints or exalted figures, as seen when a calm saint is portrayed against a golden halo ([1], [2]), and as a metaphorical device suggesting an inner glow or aura of superiority ([3], [4]). At times, it lends an almost tangible radiance to mundane scenes—a setting sun’s embrace or the luminous framing of a character’s features ([5], [6])—while in other instances it even functions as a character’s name or defining trait ([7], [8]). Overall, “aureole” serves as a versatile symbol, bridging the gap between physical light and the intangible qualities of grace, wisdom, and transcendent beauty ([9], [10]).
- The face of the young saint is very calm and palely outlined against his golden aureole as he lies asleep, clasping his throat gently with one hand.
— from The Story of Assisi by Lina Duff Gordon - The tympanum contains a figure of Our Lord, seated in Glory, within an aureole supported by two angels.
— from Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of RochesterA Description of its Fabric and a Brief History of the Episcopal See by G. H. (George Henry) Palmer - Indeed, he did not know that he would himself care to endanger, by suggestive comparisons, the fine aureole of superiority that surrounded her.
— from The House Behind the Cedars by Charles W. (Charles Waddell) Chesnutt - They might continue to decorate with a mystical aureole the too prosaic kernel of known truth.
— from The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress by George Santayana - Rather disappointed at having done nothing we returned westwards by the same road, bathed in an aureole of crimson light cast by the setting sun.
— from My .75: Reminiscences of a Gunner of a .75m/m Battery in 1914 by Paul Lintier - It surrounded the most beautiful with an aureole of admiring reverence.
— from History of European Morals From Augustus to Charlemagne (Vol. 2 of 2) by William Edward Hartpole Lecky - Aureole’s soft lips were mysteriously smiling; but [195] she merely said in light tones: “You are a bad counsellor, Mr. Heron.
— from Twos and Threes by G. B. (Gladys Bronwyn) Stern - Meanwhile, Aureole had been deriving a quantity of fresh ideas from the contemplation of Stuart and Peter, and their treatment one of the other.
— from Twos and Threes by G. B. (Gladys Bronwyn) Stern - IMG The aureole was used in ancient days by Babylonian artists or sculptors, when they wished to represent a being, apparently human, as a god.
— from Ancient Pagan and Modern Christian Symbolism by Thomas Inman and M.R.C.S.E. John Newton - No eye can see the aureole shine That rings her brow with heavenly flame.
— from The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes — Complete by Oliver Wendell Holmes