History and Meaning of Objects in Painting

Symbols in art are our oldest form of visual commu- Symbols in art are humans’ oldest form of visual nication and convey meaning beyond what’s obvi- communication. Artists have incorporated symbols ous. into their work since humans first began to delve into the world of visual expression and they painted on Symbols are pictures, images, or objects used to cave walls. During later times, those unable to read represent ideas, concepts, beliefs, attitudes, or could still follow along in, say, religious events by feelings. Symbols can have deep meaning and can looking at and understanding the paintings in their evoke powerful emotion, such as the crucifix in churches. Puzzles, riddles, and symbols are still part Christianity or the Star of David in Judaism. of the vast appeal of art. For a symbol to have significance, its meaning must be known to the viewers. Take, for example, the Chinese symbol for yin and yang. In art, what do the following usually symbolize?

1. Coral

Protection against illness or evil. For instance, in Piero della Francesca’s painting “Pala di San Bernardino” from The Brera Altarpiece (1472), the infant Jesus wears a necklace of coral beads and has a small coral branch lying on his chest. The red of the coral may represent the blood of Christ and can be construed as protection against his future Passion and Resurrection. To those who understand its origins as an explana- tion of the workings of the universe, it is a symbol for the idea that one thing cannot exist without the other. To those who don’t know the symbol’s meaning, it’s an intriguing design with opposing colors and interlocking shapes. It doesn’t mean viewers can’t enjoy it; it simply means they don’t know its deeper or hidden significance. Similarly, a sound such as “woof” to represent a dog has a meaning known to many, but it could be replaced with a word like “gibby” if everyone memorized the new sound and agreed on its meaning.

© 2011 Kingslan Publications www.kingslan.com 2. A book 3. A lute with broken strings book – is a symbol of learning or of transmitting Death or discord. For example, in Holbein’s painting knowledge as seen in Kay’s Teapot, Artist’s Book “The Ambassadors“(1533) the lute’s single broken Shelf , Still Life Setup on a Paintbox and Key Keepr string may symbolically represent discord in the Still Lfe by Kingslan Studio (available as lesson Church. packets)

4. A distaff

A distaff is a wooden tool used in spinning that holds wool or flax fibers. It was the medieval symbol of women’s work and has come to stand for the domestic role of women.

A lighted candle generally indicates the passing of A mirror can stand for either truth or vanity. Mirrors time or perhaps faith in God. provide images of a viewer that reflect what others see. The self-awareness they allow can lead to An extinguished candle, on the other hand, symbol- fruitful introspection and the viewer’s attempts to get izes death or the loss of virginity. to “truth.” Alternatively, the mirror can simply lead to unfortunate vanity.

Stohom “Young Man Reading by Candle Light”

6. A clock and time pieces

The passing of time. Dutch Old Master with Mirror by Kingslan Studio Future DVD

Philippe de Champaigne Vanitas Still Life with a Tulip, Skull and Hour-Glass