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Symbols in Art
Thoroughly user-friendly and covering a broad historical sweep, this book is a reference guide to fifty of the most frequently occurring symbols in global art history. Iconography, or the study of symbols―be they animals, artifacts, plants, geometric shapes, or gestures―is an essential aspect of interpreting art. One of the most consistent features of human society throughout time has been the use of visual symbols, which often act as substitutions for the written word, crossing dialects and borders and uniting understandings of the world through a shared language. Incorporating and analyzing a wealth of cultures, Symbols in Art serves as a reference guide to fifty of the most frequently occurring symbols in global art history from 2300 BCE to the present day, exploring their subtle implications and covert meanings. Entries devoted to specific symbols expose nuances of meaning and historical use, from easily identifiable symbols across the globe to those used to speak to specific cultural groups. This book exposes such intriguing correspondences as the symbolism of grapevines in a fifteenth-century painting by Giovanni Bellini compared to the images in Yinka Shonibare’s Last Supper. Complete with a user-friendly glossary of symbols and a well-selected array of illustrations, this book illuminates common and thought-provoking symbols in art across history and the globe, functioning as an indispensable tool for interpretation. 85+ illustrations
176 pages, Paperback
Published October 13, 2020
33 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 19, 2021
As an art object itself, this is a high quality book. The paper is thick and the gloss is durable, so it isn’t prone to showing fingerprints from being handled, unlike a lot of paperback art books. There are lots of photos, all high quality and, except for a couple times when an important part of the image ended up in the page crease, the photos really helped illustrate the information being conveyed in the text.
I appreciate that this is a broad topic being dealt with in a smattering of examples, and the author made a concerted effort to use lesser known examples alongside better known ones, but sometimes when he was listing other important examples that supported what he was discussing, he would leave out very obvious ones that seemed like they should have at least been mentioned. As a medievalist, I was also a bit disappointed, as there was no European art included from 100 to 1400. Learning something about the intricate symbolism of medieval art would have been nice, and it seemed odd that over thirteen hundred years of history was just excluded.
The book is divided into sections: Land and Sky, Plants, Birds, Beasts, Bodies, and Possessions. Personally I found Plants, and Possessions to be the most informative. Other sections, like Land and Sky, and Beasts, made me question the author. He consistently mischaracterized or made errors when discussing Christianity in relation to artistic symbolism. Judaism and Islam were mostly avoided, but also seemed oddly characterized when they came up. I’m less personally knowledgeable about Buddhism and Hinduism, but they were brought up often, and the way the author talked about the other three religions made me question how accurate the information was on these as well. He is an art historian, but when he delved into discussions on religion he seemed a bit out of his depth. Maybe a co-author who is a religious historian could have helped with this.
Here is an example that stood out, from the discussion on the symbolism of fish: “Fish feature heavily in the Christian Bible, most famously in the parable of the loaves and fishes, and are also associated with the rebirthing ceremony of baptism. The fish-shaped ichthys symbol has therefore become a logo for Christians.” First, while fish do feature many times in the Bible, the loaves and fishes is not a parable. Parables are stories told by Jesus, using real world examples to help explain complex spiritual concepts. Meanwhile, the loaves and fishes is recorded as an eye-witness historical account of something that Jesus actually did. Next, aside from “rebirthing ceremony” being a problematic way of characterizing baptism, the Bible doesn’t associate fish with baptism. The ichthys was probably first associated with Christianity because of Jesus telling the Apostles to change from fishermen to fishers of men (i.e. sharing Jesus’s message). Ichthys was also used as a Greek acronym for Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour. It became a more widespread symbol for Christianity when the Roman Empire was arresting and executing Christians, and an innocuous symbol was needed to mark meeting places. One account relates that when a Christian was talking to someone, and wanted to find out if that person was “safe,” they would casually trace the ichthys symbol in the earth with their toe. If the person traced the ichthys back, both would know that the other person was a Christian, too, and wouldn’t turn them in to the state for discussing their beliefs.
While there is some interesting information, and it is a beautiful book, the errors in areas outside of the author’s expertise made me question the accuracy of large parts of the text.
I appreciate that this is a broad topic being dealt with in a smattering of examples, and the author made a concerted effort to use lesser known examples alongside better known ones, but sometimes when he was listing other important examples that supported what he was discussing, he would leave out very obvious ones that seemed like they should have at least been mentioned. As a medievalist, I was also a bit disappointed, as there was no European art included from 100 to 1400. Learning something about the intricate symbolism of medieval art would have been nice, and it seemed odd that over thirteen hundred years of history was just excluded.
The book is divided into sections: Land and Sky, Plants, Birds, Beasts, Bodies, and Possessions. Personally I found Plants, and Possessions to be the most informative. Other sections, like Land and Sky, and Beasts, made me question the author. He consistently mischaracterized or made errors when discussing Christianity in relation to artistic symbolism. Judaism and Islam were mostly avoided, but also seemed oddly characterized when they came up. I’m less personally knowledgeable about Buddhism and Hinduism, but they were brought up often, and the way the author talked about the other three religions made me question how accurate the information was on these as well. He is an art historian, but when he delved into discussions on religion he seemed a bit out of his depth. Maybe a co-author who is a religious historian could have helped with this.
Here is an example that stood out, from the discussion on the symbolism of fish: “Fish feature heavily in the Christian Bible, most famously in the parable of the loaves and fishes, and are also associated with the rebirthing ceremony of baptism. The fish-shaped ichthys symbol has therefore become a logo for Christians.” First, while fish do feature many times in the Bible, the loaves and fishes is not a parable. Parables are stories told by Jesus, using real world examples to help explain complex spiritual concepts. Meanwhile, the loaves and fishes is recorded as an eye-witness historical account of something that Jesus actually did. Next, aside from “rebirthing ceremony” being a problematic way of characterizing baptism, the Bible doesn’t associate fish with baptism. The ichthys was probably first associated with Christianity because of Jesus telling the Apostles to change from fishermen to fishers of men (i.e. sharing Jesus’s message). Ichthys was also used as a Greek acronym for Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour. It became a more widespread symbol for Christianity when the Roman Empire was arresting and executing Christians, and an innocuous symbol was needed to mark meeting places. One account relates that when a Christian was talking to someone, and wanted to find out if that person was “safe,” they would casually trace the ichthys symbol in the earth with their toe. If the person traced the ichthys back, both would know that the other person was a Christian, too, and wouldn’t turn them in to the state for discussing their beliefs.
While there is some interesting information, and it is a beautiful book, the errors in areas outside of the author’s expertise made me question the accuracy of large parts of the text.
December 9, 2020
Vērtīgs izziņas materiāls par mākslas darbos ieslēpto nozīmi. Protams, daudz reliģisku vai senu simbolu. Reizēm gan tā nozīmes skaidrošana šķiet aiz matiem pavilkta, jo varbūt mākslinieks vienkārši jokojās, bet mākslas vēsturnieks vai ikonogrāfs ļoti nopietni nopūlās izskaidrot gleznas vai skulptūras domu. 3,5 zvaigznes, jo mani subjektīvi garlaiko reliģiskās tēmas.
Uzrakstīju plašāku atsauksmi blogā: https://gramatas.wordpress.com/2020/1...
Uzrakstīju plašāku atsauksmi blogā: https://gramatas.wordpress.com/2020/1...
December 28, 2020
Vēl viena lieliska grāmata sērijā “Mākslas pamati”. Šai gan vairāk jūtams tas, ka izvēlētā tēma “simboli” ir pārāk plaša, lai to sastūķētu vienā mazā grāmatiņā. Tā ka šo var uztvert kā ievadu simbolos un ieskatu tajā, kā tie biežāk izmantoti mākslas darbos, tomēr atstāj sāpīgu mazuma piegaršu.
March 19, 2023
The art is great, interesting choice. The details of the symbols feels basic.
July 22, 2021
Bastante bien y corto en su explicación, esperaba más por parte del autor, así como la extensión en su descripción por cada objeto, pero no logró llegar a ello.
May 27, 2021
Los símbolos en el arte es un libro de divulgación que pretende descifrar la iconografía de los símbolos visuales en las obras de arte para darle una interpretación, teniendo en cuenta el origen de la obra y en el tiempo que fue realizada. En el encontrarás expuesto los símbolos más comunes del mundo, con un significado diferente dependiendo de la época y del país en el que se encuentren.
Me ha parecido una auténtica maravilla. No es que sólo vaya explicando los símbolos dividiéndolos en tierra, plantas, aves y personas; es que va muchísimo más allá y a través de ejemplos artísticos de diferentes países interpreta los símbolos para explicar lo que significan y qué diferencia hay entre un símbolo en un país o en otro. La verdad que es un libro para volver a él una y otra vez, es divulgación, y aún por encima tiene una edición concisa, clara, bien redactada y ni hablar de la calidad del papel y de las imágenes que muestran.
Un libro que os hará ver que no todo significa lo mismo en todas las culturas, ni siquiera en el arte, y que es susceptible de interpretación. Por eso son tan necesarios estos libros de divulgación, porque es donde vemos que en la interpretación encontramos el sentimiento y el sentido.
No tengo más que decir, es muy necesario en vuestras estanterías.
"¿No sabéis que cada pájaro que hiende el airoso camino es un inmenso mundo de deleite cerrado por vuestros cinco sentidos?"
5/5
Me ha parecido una auténtica maravilla. No es que sólo vaya explicando los símbolos dividiéndolos en tierra, plantas, aves y personas; es que va muchísimo más allá y a través de ejemplos artísticos de diferentes países interpreta los símbolos para explicar lo que significan y qué diferencia hay entre un símbolo en un país o en otro. La verdad que es un libro para volver a él una y otra vez, es divulgación, y aún por encima tiene una edición concisa, clara, bien redactada y ni hablar de la calidad del papel y de las imágenes que muestran.
Un libro que os hará ver que no todo significa lo mismo en todas las culturas, ni siquiera en el arte, y que es susceptible de interpretación. Por eso son tan necesarios estos libros de divulgación, porque es donde vemos que en la interpretación encontramos el sentimiento y el sentido.
No tengo más que decir, es muy necesario en vuestras estanterías.
"¿No sabéis que cada pájaro que hiende el airoso camino es un inmenso mundo de deleite cerrado por vuestros cinco sentidos?"
5/5
January 18, 2022
Saistoša, izzinoša un ilustratīva. Nelielam ieskatam ir labi. Diskusiju raisoša.
December 26, 2024
3.5 stars (mainly because the book is so brief – I could’ve read a lot more on the subject!)
Another book one can read in short bits, this time giving the reader some understanding of symbols in art, with 50+ art pieces (and not just Western art examples). It really shows how different cultures can have different meanings for common symbols, oftentimes. At the end is a short glossary of art and historical terms, and a list of further reading.
The groups are: land and sky, plants, birds, beasts, bodies, and possesions. The book explains how symbols are used in art, how time can change the meaning or how some remain time-resistant, and as I said above, different cultures can interpret things differently, including how positive or negative something can be. Here you get some of the most common ones; sometimes the art piece seems an obvious choice, but occasionally the book surprises you. The text sometimes goes on about one or two of the art examples shown, sometimes the mention is brief. Still, I guess talking about them makes the text run longer than just telling what the meaning(s) is/are.
It’s a good first-taste giver, a bit similarly like the Very Short Introduction books, but it does leave you hungry as I’ve mentioned. A good starter, and a good reading choice for brief reading times.
Another book one can read in short bits, this time giving the reader some understanding of symbols in art, with 50+ art pieces (and not just Western art examples). It really shows how different cultures can have different meanings for common symbols, oftentimes. At the end is a short glossary of art and historical terms, and a list of further reading.
The groups are: land and sky, plants, birds, beasts, bodies, and possesions. The book explains how symbols are used in art, how time can change the meaning or how some remain time-resistant, and as I said above, different cultures can interpret things differently, including how positive or negative something can be. Here you get some of the most common ones; sometimes the art piece seems an obvious choice, but occasionally the book surprises you. The text sometimes goes on about one or two of the art examples shown, sometimes the mention is brief. Still, I guess talking about them makes the text run longer than just telling what the meaning(s) is/are.
It’s a good first-taste giver, a bit similarly like the Very Short Introduction books, but it does leave you hungry as I’ve mentioned. A good starter, and a good reading choice for brief reading times.
September 14, 2025
I read this book as part of an Art History course I'm doing - it was a good basic introduction to understanding symbols in art.
Wilson cuts across all historical periods and various cultures and adds anecdotal and historical information where applicable. Some well known paintings and sculptures are included as well as some not well known ones - which prompted me to research further.
The book is divided into themes, so it is easy to read and a good introduction if you want to learn more about art. While this approach works well, just be mindful that it doesn't however cover the multiple symbols that are usually contained within an art work.
Wilson cuts across all historical periods and various cultures and adds anecdotal and historical information where applicable. Some well known paintings and sculptures are included as well as some not well known ones - which prompted me to research further.
The book is divided into themes, so it is easy to read and a good introduction if you want to learn more about art. While this approach works well, just be mindful that it doesn't however cover the multiple symbols that are usually contained within an art work.
December 21, 2020
Es un libro muy curioso y fácil de leer en el que se nos muestra el significado de una gran cantidad de elementos dentro del arte, ya sean objetos, flores, animales, etc. ¿Quién iba a decir que algo tan simple como un clavel esconde tantos secretos?
Las breves explicaciones y las ilustraciones que las acompañan consiguen que la lectura sea ágil y amena, como si fuéramos descubriendo los misterios de un rompecabezas. Sin duda, os lo recomiendo, especialmente aquellos que les llama la atención la pintura pero que no son grandes expertos, yo he aprendido mucho más de lo que esperaba.
Las breves explicaciones y las ilustraciones que las acompañan consiguen que la lectura sea ágil y amena, como si fuéramos descubriendo los misterios de un rompecabezas. Sin duda, os lo recomiendo, especialmente aquellos que les llama la atención la pintura pero que no son grandes expertos, yo he aprendido mucho más de lo que esperaba.
August 3, 2025
As a non-artist but someone familiar with literary symbolism, I found the explanations almost superfluous. I appreciated the range of artworks selected for this across several cultures rather than just from the European masters. I also liked that they weren't predominantly artworks of the symbolic item itself but featured it often as a tiny background detail. And the further viewings recommendations.
Does a very commendable job for what it set out to do as an overview guide, and I appreciate it as a short collection I'll dip into for writing inspo.
Does a very commendable job for what it set out to do as an overview guide, and I appreciate it as a short collection I'll dip into for writing inspo.
October 13, 2025
De symbolen en de betekenis ervan zijn niet heel verassend.
Meestal kan je het zelf ook al een beetje bedenken.
Maar het is wel leuk om er wat bewuster mee om te gaan en te zien hoe het in verschillende kunstwerken gebruikt te zien worden.
Ook fijn dat het een hele diverse collectie is van kunst.
Al ging de buste, gemaakt van het bevroren bloed van de beeldhouwer, me wel een beetje ver. En ook niet zo duurzaam omdat het altijd in een vriezer moet staan.
Ik kijk er naar uit om meer opzoek te gaan naar symbolen in kunstwerken de komende tijd :)
Meestal kan je het zelf ook al een beetje bedenken.
Maar het is wel leuk om er wat bewuster mee om te gaan en te zien hoe het in verschillende kunstwerken gebruikt te zien worden.
Ook fijn dat het een hele diverse collectie is van kunst.
Al ging de buste, gemaakt van het bevroren bloed van de beeldhouwer, me wel een beetje ver. En ook niet zo duurzaam omdat het altijd in een vriezer moet staan.
Ik kijk er naar uit om meer opzoek te gaan naar symbolen in kunstwerken de komende tijd :)
September 13, 2024
Yes it's short and simple but I prefer it from reading a whole encyclopedia of symbols. It's easier for me to pick up information. The material feels durable and expensive, and the images are of good quality.
October 19, 2021
It's pretty
May 3, 2022
Laadukas kirja ja hyvin teosvalinnoin täydennetty sisältö.
December 8, 2022
A great introduction to some common symbols found in art. Sparks curiosity on what else could be hidden.
July 27, 2023
1pokito pobre, pa’que mentir
September 6, 2023
2.5 Surprisingly simplistic and not incredibly illuminating. I liked the art though.
March 20, 2024
a bit basic, but good enough for a crash course. the print quality is superb
July 4, 2022
I have love-hate relationship with this series. Some books in it are amazing, others too boring and some of them (like this one) are 50/50.
Some chapters felt very dry and very cramped up. For example first section called "Land and sky" and the first chapter from it "Water". I get that Thames&Hudson wants to keep all the Art essentials books in same format, but 4 pages (2 of them was art pictures) to talk about water in art? Felt very rushed and forced. And it was the case with most of this first section.
Others were better. You have section called "Plants" or "Birds" etc. and every chapter, even if it's only 2 pages and one of them is example of art with that symbol is interesting and more informative since in those 2 pages author writes about one species of birds, plants or beasts like cranes, lions, poppies etc.
My favorite part was the fact that author wrote about the meaning of same symbol in different cultures, religions and civilisations.
Some chapters felt very dry and very cramped up. For example first section called "Land and sky" and the first chapter from it "Water". I get that Thames&Hudson wants to keep all the Art essentials books in same format, but 4 pages (2 of them was art pictures) to talk about water in art? Felt very rushed and forced. And it was the case with most of this first section.
Others were better. You have section called "Plants" or "Birds" etc. and every chapter, even if it's only 2 pages and one of them is example of art with that symbol is interesting and more informative since in those 2 pages author writes about one species of birds, plants or beasts like cranes, lions, poppies etc.
My favorite part was the fact that author wrote about the meaning of same symbol in different cultures, religions and civilisations.
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