Animals as Disguised Symbols in Renaissance Art

by Simona Cohen

The relationship between medieval animal symbolism and the iconography of animals in the Renaissance has scarcely been studied. Filling a gap in this significant field of Renaissance culture, in general, and its art, in particular, this book demonstrates the continuity and tenacity of medieval animal interpretations and symbolism, disguised under the veil of genre, religious or mythological narrative and scientific naturalism. An extensive introduction, dealing with relevant medieval and early Renaissance sources, is followed by a series of case studies that illustrate ways in which Renaissance artists revived conventional animal imagery in unprecedented contexts, investing them with new meanings, on a social, political, ethical, religious or psychological level, often by applying exegetical methodology in creating multiple semantic and iconographic levels.

Brill's Studies on Art, Art History, and Intellectual History , vol. 2

Genres: Art, Art History

360 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[a duck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simona Cohen (art historian, Tel Aviv University) begins with the symbolism of animals in the middle ages. The bulk of of the book is dedicated to the Renaissance, examining literary sources and treatises, paintings, manuscripts, and prints.