Category: symbolism

Translating Mitelli’s Illustrated proverbs (Proverbi Figurati)

As a personal challenge I want to start a series of posts where I try to translate the “Proverbi Figurati” by Giuseppe Maria Mitelli (published in 1678). My Italian language skills are probably at the lower intermediate skills, so don’t expect too much from me (not to mention that this is 17th century Italian). After… Continue reading Translating Mitelli’s Illustrated proverbs (Proverbi Figurati)

Mythological Allegories of the Power of Speech, Writing, Propaganda and Rhetoric: Ogmios, Hercules, Hermes, Thoth, Superman and Thulsa Doom

Speech is a powerful lord, which by means of the finest and most invisible body effects the divinest works: it can stop fear and banish grief and create joy and nurture pity. “ Encomium of Helen by Gorgias As our civilization becomes more complex and technologically advance, we also see a push for more centralization of power… Continue reading Mythological Allegories of the Power of Speech, Writing, Propaganda and Rhetoric: Ogmios, Hercules, Hermes, Thoth, Superman and Thulsa Doom

Useful Books and Sources to Study Western (European) Symbolism

In my opinion, the study of symbolism should be an important part of the education of any person that wants to understand our civilization. In this post I will focus on books and sources that deal with Western or European symbolism. The two big components of Western/European symbolism are the Greco-Roman derived symbolism and Christian… Continue reading Useful Books and Sources to Study Western (European) Symbolism

Mantegna Tarocchi Symbolism: Justice (Card 37)

Let’s try to analyze the symbolical elements of Justice from Mantegna Tarocchi. You don’t need to be familiar with Mantegna Tarocchi to appreciate the symbolism. Nonetheless, you can learn about this mysterious deck here and here. Some Context Justice is the 37th image in the Mantegna deck. Cards 31 through 40 can be grouped together,… Continue reading Mantegna Tarocchi Symbolism: Justice (Card 37)

Mantegna Tarocchi Symbolism: Grammar (Card 21)

In this post I want to explore the symbolism found in the Grammar card from Mantegna Tarocchi. Some of the symbolism can be traced to earlier sources, while some things require some speculations. You don’t need to be familiar with the Mantegna Tarocchi to appreciate the symbolism. If you want to read about this mysterious… Continue reading Mantegna Tarocchi Symbolism: Grammar (Card 21)

The Significance, Meaning and Symbolism of the Number 40 in the Bible, Mythology and Traditions

In this post I would like to go over some occurrences of the number 40 in religions, literature, traditions and superstitions. My focus will be on the traditions of the Middle East and the Western world (European). I will also try to make a few speculations about the origins of the number 40, or the… Continue reading The Significance, Meaning and Symbolism of the Number 40 in the Bible, Mythology and Traditions

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Symbolism: Allegory of Arithmetic by Laurent de La Hyre

In this post I want to discuss the symbolism found in the painting “Allegory of Arithmetic” by the baroque painter Laurent de La Hyre. This painting belongs to La Hyre’s series of paintings on the liberal arts. Since Martianus Capella ( 5th century AD), the seven liberal arts were divided in trivium (grammar, logic/dialectics and… Continue reading Symbolism: Allegory of Arithmetic by Laurent de La Hyre