Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art 2nd edition

This is a fascinating reference work by the late noted art historian, James Hall. Art history students and avid museum goers will appreciate the cross-references by subject, like Saint George, where the life of martyr is given, or object, like dragon, where one can find the symbolic meaning of the beast in Western art. Most entries are from Classical or Christian iconography, handy for those of us who don't have Livy memorized or have forgotten just which virgin Dorothea was. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
The understanding and enjoyment of a work of art depends as much on the story it depicts as on the artist’s execution of it. But what were once biblical or classical commonplaces are not so readily recognizable today. This book relates in a succinct and readable way the themes, sacred and secular, on which the repertoire of Western art is based.Here in a single volume are combined religious, classical, and historical themes, the figures of moral allegory, and characters from romantic poetry that established themselves through paintings and sculpture in Western art before and after the Renaissance. More than just a dictionary, this text places these subjects in their narrative, historical, or mythological context and uses extensive cross-referencing to enhance and clarify the meanings of these themes for the reader. The definitive work by which others are compared, this volume has become an indispensable handbook for students and general art appreciators alike. This wholly redesigned second edition includes a new insert of images chosen by the author, as well as a new preface and index to highlight the ideas, beliefs, and social and religious customs that form the background of much of this subject matter.
The understanding and enjoyment of a work of art depends as much on the story it depicts as on the artist’s execution of it. But what were once biblical or classical commonplaces are not so readily re