ΟΥΑΙ ΟΥΑΙ, il secondo grido dell’aquila. Angeli apocalittici e demoni sconfitti nella iscrizione greca (integrata) della Natività mistica di Botticelli

The focus of this contribution is on the long inscription in Greek placed on the upper margin of Botticelli’s Mystic Nativity, and in particular on the lacuna that compromises the readability of the last passage of text, for which a proposal for integration is made. According to the proposed reconstruction, the Devil, represented by the host of ridiculous little demons in almost cartoonish postures, “is sinking himself in the earth” – ΤΑΦΡΕΥΟΜΕΝΟΝ according to our integration – overwhelmed and annihilated by divine glory in its highest triumph, the Nativity of Jesus Christ.