The understanding and enjoyment of a work of art depends as much on the story it depicts as on the artist's execution of it. But what were once biblical or classical commonplaces are not so readily recognizable today. This book relates in a succinct and readable way the themes, sacred and secular, on which the repertoire of Western art is based. Combined here in a single volume are religious, classical, and historical themes, figures of moral allegory, and characters from romantic poetry that appeared throughout paintings and sculpture in Western art before and after the Renaissance. More than just a dictionary, this text places these subjects in their narrative, historical, or mythological context and uses extensive cross-referencing to enhance and clarify the meanings of these themes for the reader. The definitive work by which others are compared, this volume has become an indispensable handbook for students and general appreciators alike. This wholly redesigned second edition includes a new insert of images chosen by the author, as well as a new preface and index to highlight the ideas, beliefs, and social and religious customs that form the background of much of this subject matter.
Details of English translations of the works are in the bibliography. The book includes an appendix of the transcription of Chinese, notes and references, bibliography, chronological tables and index."
"The purpose of this volume is to provide today's readers and museum-goers with a tool for orienting themselves in the world of images and learning to read the hidden meanings of certain famous paintings."--Introduction.
The significance of narrative episodes from the Old and New Testaments and Greek and Roman mythology is examined in the text and in highlighted feature panels."--BOOK COVER.
Looks at the historical use of the artistic symbols of plants, flowers, animals, insects, and fantastic creatures, and explains the meaning of each symbol.
Their use and development in Chinese literature and in Chinese customs and attitudes to life are traced lucidly and precisely. `An ideal reference book to help one learn and explore further, while simultaneously giving greater insight into ...
Examines the use and meaning of Christian symbols found in Renaissance art
"This book provides a unique, in-depth and comprehensive analysis of the modelling issues faced by credit modellers in the credit derivatives market.
The unvarying essential meanings of around 1,000 symbols and symbolic themes commonly found in the art, literature and thought of all cultures through the ages are clarified.
Classical myth and legend - The bible and life of Christ - Saints and their miracles - History, literature and the arts - Symbols and allegories.
Describes historical, legendary, and supernatural persons, animals, and objects that recur as symbols in Oriental art and literature