The Symbols of Art 9781805700357 Hardback

Unpack the powerful visual symbols artists have used throughout history.From a single flower to a carefully placed skull, works of art across history are filled with symbols that carry powerful meanings.The Symbols of Artrevealshow artists use these symbols to communicate ideaswithout relying on words.Why is there a lily in that religious painting? Why does a still life include an hourglass, a mirror or a piece of fruit? In some cases, these symbols would have been immediately understood by contemporary viewers but now need decoding for a modern audience. In other instances, symbolism is more deliberately elusive,inviting viewers to look closer and think deeper.Thisrichly illustrated visual referenceincludes:Over 100 key symbolsdrawn from art historySymbols from thenatural world, the manmade world, the supernatural, and colours and shapesFamous artworks used as case studiesto show symbolism in contextHow meanings changeacross cultures, movements and centuriesAn easy-to-navigate, fully indexed structuredesigned for quick consultation as well as browsingBringing together examples fromacross periods, cultures and artistic movements,art historian Susie Hodge explains how symbolic meanings can shift depending on time, place and intention, revealing layers of interpretation that radically deepen our understanding of artworks.Clearly organised and expertly written,The Symbols of Artis both an authoritative reference and an inviting guide for curious readers.Whether youre visiting a gallery, studying art history or simply want to see artworks with fresh eyes, this book gives you the tools to decode visual meaning and experience art more deeply.