The National Gallery, London –  Winter, Advent & Christmas through the Four Senses Hermeneutic

Saturday 13th December 2025, 10.30am – 2pm

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During this half day visit to The National Gallery, London, we will explore a small selection of paintings which present themes of Winter, Advent and Christmas.  As a guide in our approach to engaging with some of these exquisite works of art, we will consider the four senses hermeneutic / of interpretation.

The four senses hermeneutic is an ancient and half-forgotten  framework which can enlighten our understanding of sensations, thoughts and intuitions we often feel when encountering works of art, yet have lost the language with which to express them. As a result we often ignore the more intangible responses to art and miss something of great importance.  Rather than only staying with a literal interpretation of a work of art, the four senses offer a means through which we might move beyond the surface, gain insight, a sense of revelation and an inner and outer vision

The four senses comprise:

The Literal Sense – taking the painting at face value, its literal meaning

The Allegorical Sense – exploring the allegorical meaning of an image, what else is it referring to in terms of its story or myth. It is ‘like’ / simile.

These first two senses are often where much interpretation of art stops.

The Tropological Sense – a deepening of meaning and response, turning inwards to question, where the soul turns to ask what does it mean for me? Metaphorical meaning.

The Anagogical Sense – includes all of the other senses, and where a deepening is lifted and connected to a higher ontological understanding.

The paintings of Winter scenes, Advent and Christmas we will be discovering are each unique.  As the four senses awaken the imagination, we will journey through darkness, cold, a turning inwards for reflection and stillness, a sense of hope, light and love. These works of art no longer remain literal objects to be analysed, but lived experiences.

This half day visit will take place on Saturday 13th December 2025 and will run from 10.30 am to 1.00 pm. We will meet just inside the entrance of the Sainsbury wing at 10.30am.At 1pm there is an optional lunch where we will discuss any observations and questions you might have and enjoy a lovely meal!

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