et.

"For instance, to select an example: the Antwerp gallery possesses a
tryptich, by Roger van der Werden, known as 'The Sacraments.' In the
centre panel, devoted to the Eucharist, the Sacrifice of the Redeemer is
shown under two aspects, the bleeding form of the Crucifixion and the
mystic form of the pure oblation on the altar; behind the Cross, at the
foot of which we see the weeping Mary, Saint John and the Holy Women, a
priest is celebrating Mass and elevating the Host in the midst of a
cathedral which forms the background of the picture.

"On the left-hand shutter, the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and
Penance are shown, in small detached scenes; and on the right-hand
shutter those of Ordination, Marriage and Extreme Unction.

"This picture, a work of marvellous beauty, with the 'Descent from the
Cross' by Quentin Matsys, are the inestimable glory of the Belgium
gallery; but I will not linger over a full description of this work; I
will omit any reflection suggested by the supreme art of the painter,
and restrict myself to recording that part of the work which bears on
the symbolism of colour."

"But are you sure that Roger van der Weyden intended to ascribe such
meanings to the colours?"

"It is impossible to doubt it, for he has assigned a different hue to
each Sacrament, by introducing above the scenes he depicts, an angel
whose robe is in each instance different in accordance with the ceremony
set forth. His meaning therefore is beyond question; and these are the
colours he affects to the means of Grace consecrated by the Saviour:

"To the Eucharist, green; to Baptism, white; to Confirmation, yellow; to
Penance, red; to Ordination, purple; to Marriage blue; to Extreme
Unction, a violet so deep as to be almost black.

"Well, you will admit that the interpretation of this sacred scheme of
colour is not altogether easy.

"The pictorial imagery of Baptism, Extreme Unction, and Ordination is
quite clear; Marriage even as symbolized by blue may be intelligible to
simple souls; that Communion should blazon its coat with _vert_, is even
more appropriate, since green represents sap and humility, and is
emblematical of the regenerative power. But ought not Confession to
display violet rather than red; and how, in any case, are we to account
for Confirmation being figured in yellow?"

"The colour of the Holy Ghost is certainly red," remarked the Abbe
Plomb.

"Thus there are differences of interpretatio