Christ depicted as the Salvator Mundi
Molanus assesses iconographic traditions which are based on well-established stories, here: Christ depicted as the Salvator Mundi.
Good Thief is painted on Jesus his right hand
Molanus argues that the good thief has to be placed at the right of Christ.
Children cannot receive beneficiaries
Molanus condemns the depiction of the story of Salome since it could provide a false argument for giving beneficiaries to children.
Apocryphal stories about the Virgin Mary and Christ
Molanus disapproves of artworks depicting apocryphal stories of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
Paintings that steer people in the way of impiety and vice should be prevented by the leaders of the people
Molanus condemns the introduction of elements into paintings that could lead people to sinful behaviour.
The Last Supper should not be depicted as a luxurious feast
Molanus argues that paintings of Christ should serve as a model of honesty and religion, therefore painting the Last Supper full of luxuries constitutes an act of blasphemy.
Pastor Duncanus and the cult of St.Helper in Wormer in Holland
Molanus recounts the story of the misidentification of Christ as St. Helper by the believers in Wormer, Holland, to demonstrate the usefulness of writing the saint’s name on the artwork.
Images should respect the size, silhouette and colours of the depicted person
Molanus argues that painters should follow the ancients and depict persons true to the harmony of their silhouette, size, and colour.
Artists follow the traditions of depicting Christ, Mary, and Apostles either by studying other paintings or the authorities
Molanus argues that artists should follow the pictorial tradition set by other artists or study the written sources regarding the subject.
