Screen LibraryThe hidden language of symbols /
"Why do we reach for the red rose on Valentine's day? Where did the owl gain its reputation for wisdom? Why should you never trust a fox? In this visual tour through art history, Matthew Wilson depicts a global visual language enshrined in art: the language of symbols. Symbols exert a stro...
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| Main Authors: | |
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| Published: |
Thames & Hudson,
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| Publisher Address: | London : |
| Publication Dates: | 2022. |
| Literature type: | Book |
| Language: | English |
| Subjects: | |
| Summary: |
"Why do we reach for the red rose on Valentine's day? Where did the owl gain its reputation for wisdom? Why should you never trust a fox? In this visual tour through art history, Matthew Wilson depicts a global visual language enshrined in art: the language of symbols. Symbols exert a strong hold in the image-saturated 21st century, an have done so for thousands of years. From national emblems to corporate logos and emojis, our day-to-day lives abound with icons rooted in the distant past. Expert art historian Matthew Wilson traces the often surprising trajectories that symbols have taken through history, from their original purposes to their modern meanings, identifying the common themes and ideas that link seemingly disparate cultures. We meet the falcon as a symbol of authority from the ancient Egyptian pharaohs to the medieval aristocracy; the dog as stalwart companion from the classical era to the Renaissance; and the mythical phoenix as a symbol of female power connecting a queen in England with a goddess in China. We also see moments of radical reinterpretation and change: the transformation of the swastika from an auspicious symbol of hope to one of hate. From Palaeolithic cave paintings to contemporary installations, Wilson deftly guides us through this world of symbols, showcasing their enduring ability to express power, hope, fear and faith, and to create and communicate identities, uniting -- or dividing -- the people that made them." -- Jacket flap. |
| Carrier Form: | 271 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 26 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| ISBN: |
9780500025291 0500025290 |
| Index Number: | N7740 |
| CLC: | J05 |
| Call Number: | J05/W751 |