Sarah Carr-Gomm Bücher

An A-Z reference guide to religious and mythological themes and symbols in Western painting and sculpture - the instant way to decipher art's hidden meanings.

This informative reference decodes over 500 key figures, themes, events, and symbols in influential Western paintings, making it an ideal companion for art lovers, gallery goers, and students. It reveals the messages that famous painters aimed to convey through their works. Beautifully illustrated with 75 masterpieces, the book covers five main topics: Classical Myth and Legend; the Bible and the Life of Christ; Saints and Their Miracles; History, Literature, and the Arts; and Symbols and Allegories, analyzing works from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Each chapter features a portfolio of images and in-depth commentary on representative figures and symbols. Notable works analyzed include Botticelli’s *Venus and Mars*, Caravaggio’s *The Young Bacchus*, Bruegel’s *The Fall of the Rebel Angels*, da Vinci’s *Virgin and Child with Saint Anne*, Rembrandt’s *The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicholaes Tulp*, and Picasso’s *Guernica*. Additionally, a thematic directory of figures and symbols and a reference list for further investigation are included, enhancing the reader's understanding of the rich tapestry of art history.