The Secret Language of the Renaissance: Decoding the Hidden Symbolism of Italian Art

(Paperback, New edition)

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Description

The mind of the Renaissance artist differs from our modern mind in its habit of encoding meanings into symbols - everything from beehives to centaurs. Often these meanings drew upon a traditional symbolic repertoire available to Renaissance man but now largely disused. However, sometimes a more esoteric meaning was encoded in a painting, sculpture, building or other visual artefact, or in a text - perhaps even a hidden

political message or an expression of heretical faith. The Secret Language of the Renaissancepeels back these layers of meaning. For all those who relish secret symbolism and conspiracies, as well as all lovers of the art of Renaissance Italy, this book will instruct and delight in equal measure.

Author Bio

Richard Stemp studied Natural Sciences and History of Art at the University of Cambridge, and has a PhD in Italian Renaissance sculpture. After a year at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts, he now divides his time between art history and acting. He teaches in London for the National Gallery, Tate, and Buckingham Palace, as well as on site in museums and churches across Italy for Art History Abroad. He wrote and presented the TV series Art in the National Gallery and Tate Modern for Channel 4 in the United Kingdom and is the author of several books, including The Secret Language of the Renaissance.