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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]).
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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

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