Customer Reviews

Dictionary of Subject and Symbols in Art

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Author: Lee Sandstead

Most great works of art are narratives or allegories that relate a story, myth, legend or particular concept, but in our era of pathetic education, most people are not familiar with the stories from Antiquity or the Judeo-Christian heritage that are necessary to decipher those narratives or allegories. The "Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art," by James Hall, is a dictionary that defines the major subjects and symbols of western art. It contains numerous explanations of legends, myths, symbols, heroes, heroines and citations that show, if applicable, their original source in historical texts or literature.

In Jacques-Louis David's "The Oath of the Horatii," we see three men reaching their arms out to an older man raising three swords. To the right of them are women and children on the floor in anguish. If you are not familiar with Livy, Plutarch or Pierre Corneille's play "Horace," then the story will probably escape you, and you will be at the mercy of the title for any information regarding the painting's subject. But by having the "Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art," you can read about the Horatii as a subject. For instance, you will learn that the legend is recounted in Livy and Plutarch; that the three men with raised arms are brothers; that the elderly man with the three swords is their father; that the action being preformed is an oath taken by the brothers to defend Rome by killing three of their cousins; and that one of the women on the ground is married to one of the fated cousins. By knowing this factual information, you can discern the theme of the painting-one should sacrifice all for the State-and be able to judge the painting not only for its style, but also its explicit message.

I believe that everyone should have a copy of this book in their home. Personally, it has enabled me to garner more meaning, more value and more passion out of my favorite works of art.

Best,

Lee Sandstead

If you are an Art History major (or even taking such a class) it is an good resource. The style is dated, and it is limited in its definitions, but is good for earlier art periods.

Love art but don't always remember the cast of characters of your Lives of the Saints or Greek Mythology?? Then this is for you. Neatly presented in alphabetical order is an abstract describing the events in all the scenes you are likely to see depicted as you walk through the galleries of the Louvre or the Metropolitan Museum. In cross-word puzzles (the difficult kind, not the general knowledge ones), can't remember the attribute of the saint referred to in the clue?? A quick glance at the relevant paragraph will allow you to feel as smart as a PhD in Theology. Easy to carry about your person, quick and convenient to use, that invaluable gem of a reference book should be given to each new-born baby whose parents care about cultural inheritance.

I was looking for a book with lots of information about symbols throughout art, this book is not the answer for that. This is more of a list of objects that are poorly put together and lack any great description. If you're looking for symbolism in art information this is not the book. actually I'm still looking for that book out there...
But in the mean time don't waste your time and money on this one.

The book came to me very promptly and in wonderful condition. I ordered 6 books and this book arrived first. I would do business with this person again.