Ra, Inti, So Invictus, Sun in Splendour, In his Glory, Sunne… and I’m not talking about the giggling baby-faced sun from that strangely wholesome yet slightly traumatising show ‘Teletubbies’ either.
I’m also not talking about the sun god Apollo riding across the skies daily in a chariot. I remember watching this scene in the animated film Fantasia and being mesmerised by it as a kid.
I’m talking about Medieval depictions of the sun, which are one of my favourite ways the sun is shown in art. I love the visuals of our sun having a serious face with its wavey rays outstretched.
These types of suns were often seen on heraldic badges and family coats of arms throughout medieval history, and the depiction of solemn-faced, judgemental suns would continue throughout the Renaissance.
Anthropomorphic suns give me joy, so I’m sharing some of my favourite images with you below.
From now on, I’m only using this sun with a face emoji 🌞, instead of this one ☀️.
Charlotte xox