"The Magic Flute" - Bro. Alberti and the Frontispiece of the Libretto on the Occasion of the First Performance in the Year 1791 (Page 32).



Structure of the wall above the second arcade


The structure of the wall above the second arcade, with the two pillars, and the further row of arcades as well as the indication of another gate, is often ignored. Does this way without an entry, and illuminated by the flaming star, indicate the entrance to the temple of Solomon? Do the two exposed pillars symbolize here the pillars Jachin and Boaz at the entrance of Solomon's temple, founded by Hiram? Made of bronze, and put up in front of the temple, these pillars worked like lightning conductors. In this way deity drove into the tool, and therefore it was holy, it was god, and performing miracles. With the ancient Greeks and Romans until far into classical times, the pillar was part of the cult itself. In the Magic Flute, the two in armour symbolize these two pillars. On their helmets a fire is burning (act two, scene 28).



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