Description
Book SynopsisFirst published in 1954 and having gone through several editions, this comprehensive book remains the authoritative source in the study of symbols in Christian art. This paperback edition includes all of the three hundred fifty illustrations from the original edition, as well as the complete and unabridged text, revealing . the symbolism inherent in representations of religious personages, the Earth and Sky, animals, birds, insects, and flowers. In addition to adiscussion of objects treated symbolically in Christian art, George Ferguson explores Old Testament characters and events and their symbolic representation in art. In addition to a discussion of objectstreated symbolically in Christian art, George Ferguson explores Old Testament characters and events and their symbolic representation in art.
Trade Review"A tremendous help to so many students who haven't been raised with the exposure to Christian iconography. Thanks!"-- Nancy Noonan-Morrissey, Front Range Community College "Excellent reference book--well-organized and highly informative--also, moderately priced!"--Marie Canaves, Cape Cod Community College "Ferguson has brought a dead language back to life. He writes simply and clearly."--The Chicago Tribune "[A] superb volume."--The Christian Century "An extraordinarily beautiful and useful book....For clergymen, both Protestant and Catholic, who are interested in liturgies and symbolism, for architects and artists, and for all devotees of art this is an unusually valuable volume."--Kirkus Reviews "A good book of reference for the general reader."--The Nation "The publication of this book is an important event. There is no comparable guide in English to the profoundly beautiful symbolism of Christian art."--John Walker, Director Emeritus of the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. "Whether as a reference work or as an invitation to fascinating browsing, the book is a treasure."--Journal of Bible and Religion "An excellent resource with its nicely organized and easy-to-find explanations of persons, symbols, events/beliefs depicted in Christian art. My students found it to be a useful tool as they worked on their interpretations of paintings and other artistic renderings of NT texts. I hope this book will stay in print."--Professor Benjamin Fiore, Canisius College
Table of ContentsThe Reason Why by Rush H. Kress An Introduction by George Ferguson I. Animals, Birds, and Insects II. Flowers, Trees, and Plants III. Earth and Sky IV. The Human Body V. The Old Testament VI. St. John the Baptist VII. The Virgin Mary VIII. Jesus Christ IX. The Trinity, the Madonna, and Angels X. The Saints XI. Radiances, Letters, Colors, and Numbers XII. Religious Dress XIII. Religious Objects XIV. Artifacts List of Plates Index of Names and Subjects
