A mystical tree of Iacopone da Todi

Abstract

There is another dimension to Laude 78 than its being simply a figurative description of the purgation, illumination and perfection of the soul. A small tract Arbor amoris by a Pseudo Bonaventure provides illuminating parallels. Jacopone's use of the vernacular changes the nature of mysticism by making it express the possibility that the ordinary man may attain the heights of contemplation.