Graphics used on these webpages

King's College Crown Tower

Description:
This image is a portrayal of the crown tower at King's College, a college originally founded by Bishop Elphinstone over 500 years ago in 1495, and which presently accommodates the School of Divinity and Religious Studies. The 'crown' which is characteristic of this tower is infused with political innuendo. It depicts an 'imperial' rather than a 'royal' crown, and thereby makes a statement defending the right for Scotland to govern its own country.

University Latin Motto

Description:

This is the University Latin motto. initium sapientiae timor domini can be translated 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom'. It is found a number of times in the 'wisdom' portions of the Bible, including Proverbs 1:7, 9:10, Psalm 111:10 and Job 28:28. Members from the School of Divinity and Religious Studies published a volume of essays entitled But where shall Wisdom be Found? in the quincentenary year of the foundation of the University. This publication endeavours to relate theology and University, drawing links between 'academic endeavour, spirituality, community, work and worship'.

Michelangelo's Creation of Adam

Description:

This image is a rendering of Michelangelo's famous fresco Creation of Adam from the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican at Rome. The style is classical Greek and Roman. Adam's left hand reaches out and is touched by the outstretched finger of God. Adam is, thereby, expressly made in God's image.

University Shield

Description:

The four quarters of the shield are respectively those of:

• King's College (top left);
• George Keith, fifth Earl Marischal, founder of Marischal College (top right);
• Bishop William Elphinstone, founder of King's College (bottom left)
• the City of Aberdeen (bottom right).

The arms of King's College (top left) are represented on a blue background by a gold vase bearing a design of three intertwined salmon; within the vase there are three lilies - one in bud, one in full bloom and one past its prime. A right hand holding an open book (symbol of learning), descends from the sun and hovers above the vase. The lilies, symbolising virginal purity, commemorate the original dedication of St Mary's College (King's previous and very short-lived title).

The arms of Marischal College (top right) are those of the founder George Keith, Earl Marischal. A Keith antecedent was awarded the arms by distinguishing himself at the Battle of Panbride (c 1006). King Malcolm II, it is said, dipped his hand in the blood of Keith's opponent and drew three long strokes down the upper part of the shield!

Each of these graphics, with the consistent 'stained-glass' theme, was designed and produced by Christine Mackenzie of the Web Design Unit, DISS, University of Aberdeen. The copyright remains with the School of Divinity and Religious Studies.

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