Page 38 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

36  INTRODUCING IT AL Y

Saints and Symbols in Italian Art

Saints and symbols are especially important
in Italian art. They form part of an established The Evangelists
visual language used by artists to narrate
stories of the Bible and the Catholic Church The four evangelists,
to churchgoers. Paintings of the saints Matthew, Mark, Luke
and John are each
were the focus for prayer and each offered represented by a winged
assistance in a particular aspect of daily life. creature, standing for Eagle
Patron saints protected specific cities or trades, a divine mission. (St John)
and individuals who bore their name. Saints’
days and religious festivals still play an St John carries a St Thomas Aquinas is usually
important part in Italian life. book of the Gospel shown with a star, barely
bearing his name. visible in this painting,
on his Dominican habit.
St Mark the Evangelist often
St Dominic is usually St Cosmas and holds his book of the Gospels.
portrayed wearing St Damian are St Lawrence carries
the habit of his order. always shown a palm leaf as well as
The lily is another of together, dressed in the gridiron on which
his attributes. physicians’ clothing. he was roasted.

Virgin Enthroned with the Child
and Saints (c.1450) was painted on The Virgin, usually shown St Peter Martyr, here with
dry plaster by the Dominican friar Fra in blue robes, is depicted a palm leaf, is sometimes
Angelico. It is on display at the Museo as Mater Amabilis – the depicted with a head
di San Marco, Florence (see p280). “Mother Worthy of Love”. wound, carrying a sword.

Symbols
In order to identify different saints
or martyrs they were given “attributes”
or symbols – particular objects to
carry, or clothing to wear. These were
items that played a particular role in
their life story. Martyrs were known
by their instruments of torture or
death. Symbolism also appears in The lamb symbolizes Christ, The skull is a memento mori
the sky, animals, flowers, colours the Lamb of God, or, in early to remind us of death and
and numbers. Christian art, the sinner. impermanence.

036-037_EW_Italy.indd 36 4/4/17 5:32 PM
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Flashmap template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.1)
Date 19th July 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm