Analytical Study Dystocia based on Holy Texts and their reflection in Visual works

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Professor of the Department of Comparative and Analytical History of Islamic Art, Faculty of Theoretical Sciences and Advanced Art Studies, University of Arts, Tehran, Iran.

2 PhD student of Comparative and Analytical History of Islamic Art, Department of Comparative and Analytical History of Islamic Art, Faculty of Theoretical Sciences and Advanced Art Studies, University of Art, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The creation of all phenomena always follows metaphysical, superhuman, and symbolic stories. In the mythological stories about creation, the creation of man depends on the existence of his father and his early and eternal mother. The common chapter of all religions is hidden in this matter, which is the ancestor of all religions. Accordingly, the story of the birth of Eve as the beginning of the first generation in sacred texts and in the visual arts is extended.
Eve’s birth has been described as a case of dystocia, or abnormal birth, today known as a caesarean section (C-section), which refers to delivering babies through an incision in the mother’s abdomen. The concept of Eve’s birth from Adam’s rib in holy scriptures found its way to visual works and became a common idea. This study analyzed visual works with the theme of dystocia in Abrahamic religions and similar Roman, Indian, and Iranian myths of the birth of Caesar, Buddha, and Rostam.
This study aimed to analyze and compare the narratives and illustrations with the theme of dystocia in selected religions and mythologies to demonstrate their connections.
The story of the creation of Adam and Eve’s birth was analyzed based on the components present in the illustrations and narratives. The background, features, and main predicates of the study indicated that dystocia is a recurrent theme in the myths of certain civilizations, according to the first instance. Moreover, the analysis revealed that abnormal birth is a characteristic of supernatural and superhuman characters. The most prominent figures with shared roles had a similar origin story. This type of birth consolidated the position of the prominent and influential figures to accept a transcendental spirit.

Keywords

References

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نشانی تصاویر
URL1: https://drouot.com/en/l/21123328-michel-wolgemut-1434-1519-cronica-de-nuremberg-creacion-de
URL2: https://art.thewalters.org/detail/85643/the-creation-of-eve-and-the-expulsion-of-adam-and-eve-from-paradise/
URL3:https://www.christianiconography.info/sicily/creationEveMonreale.html
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URL10: https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e3-7612-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99/
URL11: https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/bb573df6-5d45-4950-8460-12e356b136d3/
URL12: http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/
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Comparative Study of Religions and Mysticism
Volume 9, Issue 2
September 2025
Pages 147-171

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 June 2024
  • Revise Date: 30 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 24 September 2025

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