The Symbols of Art: Decoding the Hidden Meanings of Art

by Susie Hodge (Author)

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 Art reveals how artists use these symbols to communicate ideas without 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. 
 
This richly illustrated visual reference includes: 

• Over 100 key symbols drawn from art history 
• Symbols from the natural world, the manmade world, the supernatural, and colors and shapes 
• Famous artworks used as case studies to show symbolism in context 
• How meanings change across cultures, movements, and centuries 
• An easy-to-navigate, fully indexed structure designed for quick consultation as well as browsing 

Bringing together examples from across 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. 

Hardcover, 272 pages