1. Why does a mystic need an artist? The role of visual representations in the mystical experience

St. John of the Cross, a foundational figure in Christian mysticism, argued in his work Ascent of Mount Carmel that visual representations—whether imaginative or real artworks—are obstacles to spiritual union with God, which requires detachment from all forms and images. Despite this theoretical rejection, the text notes that St. John himself used religious images in his devotional practices, and a famous incident from 1588 describes him receiving a mystical vision while praying before a painting of Christ carrying the cross in Segovia. This paradox highlights a tension between mystical theory and practice.

Study at a glance

Abstract

1. Why does a mystic need an artist?The role of visual representations in the mystical experience [] with regard to all these imaginary visions and apprehensions and to all other forms and species whatsoever, which present themselves beneath some particular kind of knowledge or image or form, whether they be false and come from the devil or are recognized as true and coming from God, the understanding must not be embarrassed by them or feed upon them, neither must the soul desire to receive them or to have them, lest it should no longer be detached, free, pure and simple, without any mode or manner, as is required for union.1These words, written by St John of the Cross in his Ascent of Mount Carmel -a fundamental work for Christian mysticism -leave no doubt that there is no space in the theory of mystical experience for any visual representation, either imaginative or real, in the form of a work of art.Moreover, the "images" created by imagination and fantasy were considered by St John of the Cross as one of the main obstacles preventing a human soul from spiritual union with God:Great, therefore, is the error of many spiritual persons who have practised approaching God by means of images and forms and meditations, as befits beginners.God would now lead them on to further spiritual blessings, which are interior and invisible, by taking from them the pleasure and sweetness of discursive meditation; but they cannot, or dare not, or know not how to detach themselves from those palpable methods to which they have grown accustomed.[] They labour greatly to this end and find little sweetness or none; rather the aridity and weariness and disquiet of their souls are increased and grow [].2However, we know that Saint John of the Cross himself used religious representations in his devotional practices, which at times stirred him even towards mystical visions.A famous example is an incident from his life -often portrayed by early modern artists -which is known as the "miracle of Segovia".One day in 1588, in the Carmelite church in Segovia, this Spanish saint received a vision while praying in front of a painting depicting Christ carrying the cross3 (fig.6).